Stamford Women to be Honored for Stopping Sex Assault in Progress

STAMFORD, CT—Two brave women will be honored Sept. 19 for stopping a sexual assault in progress.

Jessica Feighan and Kerilyn Whitehead called police and assisted officers. They saw an intoxicated woman being dragged down the street by two men in December 2014, according to a release from The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education .

"They are a true example of what can be accomplished when we step forward and intervene in these types of cases," said center Executive Director Ivonne Zucco. "The Center focuses much of its prevention programs in making us all part of the solution."

The women called police and the men were apprehended and are waiting trial.

“I don’t think that what we did was a big deal," Feighan said. "We followed our gut feelings that something was not right with the whole situation, so we helped.”

She is now interested in becoming a hotline volunteer at the center.

Whitehead is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement and is currently working to finish her master's in social work.

“People need to be aware that this goes on all the time and when someone sees something that doesn’t look for feel right, it’s okay to say something," Whitehead said.

The commendation will be presented at The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education along with recognition from SHINE, Survivors Helping Inspire New Endings, an advisory survivor of sexual abuse group at The Center.

"I applaud the courageous initiative Jessica and Kerilyn took to alert the police in order to try to prevent a sexual assault from happening," said State Rep. Caroline Simmons, who will honor the women at the ceremony. "Their brave actions are an inspiration to all of us and we are so grateful for their heroism."

The Ceremony will take place at The Center’s Office located at 733 Summer Street, Suite 503, Stamford, CT 06901 on Monday, September 19th at 10am. The public is invited to attend.