UCF’s Victim Services to Host 3rd Annual 1 Billion Rising

The University of Central Florida’s Victim Services will join the global One Billion Rising Campaign on Friday, Feb. 13 to continue the fight to end violence against women and girls around the world.

Victim Services will host its 3rd annual One Billion Rising event from noon until 2 p.m. on the Student Union Patio Stage. Held every year in February, this year’s event, in partnership with SafeHouse of Seminole, encourages students to stand up and speak out against violence. The interactive event will feature a flash mob at 12:30 p.m., spoken word poetry, and a live DJ.

National statistics show that one in three women are raped or beaten in their lifetime. Victim Services calls survivors of violence and those who love them to gather and raise awareness about violence affecting women and girls. Hosting campus and community partners will also be in attendance to help spread information about violence and services that are available.

“One Billion Rising is unique because it is taken from a different stance,” said Fawn Bolak, UCF Victim Services Advocate. “Other events are typically informational or workshops, but this incorporates a lot of artistic components. It’s fun, not intimidating and gives people a platform to come together in a safe environment.”

One Billion Rising is an international movement that launched on Valentine’s Day 2012. “Valentine’s Day is a time for love, but it’s important to remember that people are being hurt by others they love during the holidays,” said Bolak. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about violence against women and girls through different art forms like dance, music, and poetry. Since its inception, One Billion Rising has had events in more than 200 countries where men, women, and youth have come together to join in the fight. To learn more about the One Billion Rising Campaign, visit http://www.onebillionrising.org/.

Victim Services: Victim Services is located on the main campus of UCF and provides free, comprehensive victim-advocacy services to students, faculty, staff, and visitors to campus who have been impacted by crime, violence or abuse. To learn more about UCF Victim Services, visit http://victimservices.ucf.edu/about-us.