What is V-Day?

You probably know what V-E  Day and V-J Day are—they commemorate victory in Europe and victory in Japan at the end of World War II. But it is simply V-Day that may prove to be more important in the long run.

V-Day represents a global movement to end violence against women and girls. It works on a grassroots level to raise consciousness, change laws, fund rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters, and educate people in more than 140 countries from A (America) to Z (Zambia).

You can help. Plan ahead. February 14, 2013, is not just Valentine’s Day. It is the 15th anniversary of the V-Day movement. Organizers are asking one billion women and girls—and those who love them–to participate in One Billion Rising.

Check out their site and this video to learn more and become involved.

The theme for February 14 is “Strike, dance, rise in your community, and demand an end to violence.” In our January 21, 2013, post, we provided some facts and figures regarding violence against women. There’s lots more to learn and lots to do.

Also available in our January 21 post was a link to a video featuring the anthem,“Break the chain,” of the One Billion Rising movement. If you would like to learn the Break the Chain dance, you can do so. Invite some friends over, clear away the furniture, and click on “Learn the steps to break the chain.”  It will get your endorphins going and it will be a great way to participate in the Season of Nonviolence.

Kathie Malley-Morrison, Professor of Psychology