YWCA NCA Hosts Recent Film Screenings Around the Women’s Movement and Campus Sexual Assault

 

Recently we had the opportunity of hosting two wonderful movie film screenings and discussions that focused on important issues that impact older and younger women today; the women’s empowerment and campus sexual assault. Both of these issues impact us in some way, shape, or form whether if it’s directly or through someone we know. Did you know  that 1 in 5 women are assaulted on college campuses? or that 88% of women assaulted on campus goes unreported? What about women still earning only 70 cents to every dollar a man makes? All of these statistics are addressed in these movies.

She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry – Directed by: Mary Dore

“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women’s movement from 1966 to 1971.  This move takes us from the founding of NOW, with ladies in hats and gloves, to the emergence of more radical factions of women’s liberation; from intellectuals like Kate Millett to the street theatrics of W.I.T.C.H. (Women’s International Conspiracy from Hell!).  Artfully combining dramatizations, performance and archival imagery, the film recounts the stories of women who fought for their own equality, and in the process created a world-wide revolution.

The Hunting Ground – Directed by: Kirby Dick

From the team behind The Invisible War, comes a startling exposé of sexual assault on U.S. campuses, institutional cover-ups and the brutal social toll on victims and their families. Weaving together verité footage and first-person testimonies, the film follows survivors as they pursue their education while fighting for justice – despite harsh retaliation, harassment and push back at every level.

Thank you to all the participants that partnered with us on the panel discussions:

She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry

Mary Dore – Director
Mary Jean-Collins – Cast member and YWCA NCA Board Member
Tamara Smith – Moderator and YWCA NCA CEO

The Hunting Ground

Andrea Gleaves – DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Dr. Akosoa McFadgion – Interpersonal Violence Prevention Program (Howard University)
Lindsey Silverberg – Network for Victim Recovery DC

Interested in partnering with us or have any questions? Email us advocacy(at)ywcanca(dot)org.

Statement on Domestic Violence – YWCA USA CEO, Dara Richardson

STATEMENT FROM YWCA USA CEO DARA RICHARDSON-HERON, M.D.:

“One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. A recent high profile incident in the news has put the spotlight on this astounding problem, and has men and women across the country participating in important dialogue about domestic violence. The YWCA hopes that the discussions started as a result of this news story will raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of domestic violence and continue the dialogue on how we can once and for all eradicate violence against women. Simply put, gender-based violence is unacceptable, in any form and under any circumstances.

“For decades, the YWCA has been on the frontlines of working to end domestic violence. The YWCA is one of the largest providers of domestic violence services in the United States with over 200 local YWCA associations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Each year, we provide hundreds of thousands of women and families with programs and services for both survivors and perpetrators, including emergency shelter, crisis hotlines, counseling, educational programs, prevention training, support groups, and abuse intervention. The YWCA also provides domestic violence training to businesses, law enforcement, and medical personnel across the nation.

“Recent events have spurred many people to more closely examine domestic violence and to ask how they can be part of the solution. We encourage them to join us, along with our fellow service providers and advocates, in our commitment to breaking the cycle of domestic violence through awareness, education and expert intervention. For more information about the YWCA’s services, please visit ywca.org.”

YWCA NCA’s “I Speak Up Because…” Domestic Violence Campaign

We are approaching the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month which means our “I Speak Up Because…” campaign will be ending too. During this month-long campaign we have photographed some amazing people in the Washington DC area who were all passionate about putting an end to domestic violence!

Facts:
In 2012, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department received more than 31,800 domestic violence related 911 calls, that’s 1 call every 17 minutes! (This doesn’t include victims who were too scared or injured to pick up the phone.)

Forty percent of girls between the ages of 14-17 report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a boyfriend.

Studies suggest that between 3.3 – 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.

 

The purpose of this campaign is to encourage all victims to speak up and to let them know there is someone that cares for their safety.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.