L.I. Against Domestic Violence supports the 1 Billion Rising Event

In honor of VDay, the 2017 1 Billion Rising Campaign is standing up for solidarity against the exploitation of women. 1 in 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime. That’s ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. Every February, we rise – in hundreds of countries across the world – to show our local communities and the world what one billion looks like and shine a light on the rampant impunity and injustice that survivors most often face. We rise through dance to express joy and community and celebrate the fact that we have not been defeated by this violence. We rise to show we are determined to create a new kind of consciousness – one where violence will be resisted until it is unthinkable.

On February 14th, Colleen Merlo, the Executive Director of L.I. Against Domestic Violence spoke at the 1 Billion Rising Event which was a cooperative effort by VIBS, Sepa Mujer, Brighter Tomorrows and L.I. Against Domestic Violence. Ms. Merlo spoke passionately about Sexual Violence, highlighting its prevalence locally and across the nation. Ms. Merlo said “Sexual violence is a serious problem that can have lasting, harmful psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor and their family, friends, and communities.” She continued to bring this matter to light by stating “Every 98 seconds another person experiences sexual assault.” Colleen urged all those in attendance to help be part of the solution to changing our culture, so that it easier for victims to come forward and seek help. Ms. Merlo ended by expressing her pride in being present at the event and standing with those in attendance, “this was a start of a journey to come together and move forward to a place where violence is never excepted and when we see it we confront it together”.