Peace group to protest violence against women

By Chhun Sun

Stand up, speak out and let your voice be heard.

Those are the words and attitude the Civil Peace & Civil Liberties Coalition uses to protest violence against women.

To celebrate Women’s Herstory Month, the organization is promoting “Women Standing Against Violence: Women in Black Demonstration,” set for Thursday from 12 – 1 p.m. in the Free Speech Area.

Photos and signs depicting the consequences of violence against women will be on display. To entice the minds, poetry and letters will be read to encourage others to stand up.

Some participants will don black attire—a statement against the violence—and encourage others to do the same.

The practice dates back to 1988, when the Women in Black movement was started by a group of Israeli women protesting the first Palestinian intifada. They wore black clothing, held signs and stood at a major traffic intersection to protest their cause. This form of protest has since spread internationally.

“ Our presence will make it apparent that violence against women is an issue,” President Ruth Obel-Jorgensen said. “A woman is someone’s sister, mother, aunt, niece, girlfriend, grandmother and partner. Therefore, everyone should know of the horrifying facts about violence.”

The organization will speak out against war violence, sex-associated violence and domestic violence. They will also provide resources, such as hotline listings for those in need of help, statistics and figures.

Violence not only affects the women involved but also those surrounding them, such as their husbands, boyfriends and relatives, organizers said. Men are also welcome to participate.

“ It’s not just against women, it’s against everybody; it affects everybody,” committee member Maddie Gonzales said. “Just go out and watch, that’s a form of support.”