Event brings awareness to violence against women

One Billion Rising took place to help bring awareness to women who are raped and beaten

Author: Jason Atcho, Reporter/Weekend Meteorologist, jason.atcho@kjct8.com
POSTED: 06:54 PM MST Feb 14, 2013 
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -

For most people, February 14th is a day for lovers but others across the world are celebrating Valentine’s Day by bringing attention to violence against women.

At Colorado Mesa University,  dozens gathered today to bring attention to a global problem.

The event, called One Billion Rising, is taking place in 200 countries around the world. Its focus is to raise awareness and put a stop to violence against women. Organizers say that one in three women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime and that's something as a world we can't tolerate.

“It could be your neighbor, your sister, your mom. We just want the awareness out there that this needs to end” said Kat Bendele of Grand Junction.

Many students and community members were part of today's event. They were reading poems, telling personal stories of violence, and sharing words of encouragement. They also played music and danced, symbolizing 1 billion women dancing as a revolution to end this violence.

This year marks the 15th year of V-day which brings awareness to violence against women and the 2nd year of this event One Billion Rising.