“TONIGHT: Rally Together to End Domestic Violence in the District”

From a press release:

“On Thursday, March 7th at 5:00pm, at Freedom Plaza–1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW–the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in collaboration with Asian/Pacific Island Domestic Violence Resource Project (DVRP), DC SAFE, District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH), DV Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project (DV LEAP) and House of Ruth, will host Balance for Better: A DC Free from Domestic Violence rally in honor of International Women’s Day. The theme of International Women’s Day 2019 is Balance For Better, but we know it is impossible to have a balanced society when such a large portion of our community experiences domestic violence. Now is the time for action; we are calling on District leadership to make ending domestic violence in DC a priority.

“50% of women in D.C. have experienced psychological aggression by an intimate partner,” said Koube Ngaaje, Executive Director of DASH. “Everyone should feel safe, loved, and respected in their relationship, but these statistics do not reflect that. An increased budget is the first step in providing better resources and programs for survivors of domestic violence that can help decrease this percentage.”

The rally will feature speakers from various local domestic violence programs and other local advocacy groups each calling on Mayor Bowser and the DC Council to take a firm stand against domestic violence and prioritize this issue in DC. The District’s leadership are critical players in meeting the safety needs of all survivors and ending domestic violence for good.

“It is going to require many individuals and voices to bring greater awareness of this vital issue to the forefront of our city agenda,” explained Dr. Lee Ann De Reus, Executive Director of DV LEAP, “Everyone plays a part in ensuring safe relationships and safe resources for survivors in DC One way you can help is by joining us to make sure survivor voices are heard.”

All are welcome to join the rally at Freedom Plaza to bring attention to the prevalence of domestic violence. The program will include speakers, chalking, activities, and a special performance from SongRise, the DC-based women’s social justice a cappella group. Details, including speakers and performers can be found on the DCCADV website.”