The Harlan County Domestic Violence Council (HCDV) and Family Life Abuse Center will host the fifth annual 100 Man March against Domestic Violence at 1 p.m. on March 23 in the Harlan Center parking lot.
The event is held “to challenge the notions of masculinity, which equate strength with violence and control, and instead foster positive images of masculinity, which will help create a world free of abuse.”
“By participating in the march you will publicly proclaim your commitment to ending violence against women,” said HCDV Victim Advocate Sheryl Caudel. “You can play an important part in changing the social norms that perpetuate and make excuses for violence against women.”
March is Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kentucky. On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States according to findings released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Over the course of a year, that equals more than 12 million women and men. Those numbers only tell part of the story — more than 1 million women reported being raped in a year and more than six million women and men were victims of stalking in a year, the reports says.
“The keys to prevention of sexual assault and domestic violence are education and awareness,” said Caudel. “There are so many opportunities for talking about safety and personal boundaries, especially among teen boys and girls. Much victimization begins early in life, but the consequences can last a lifetime.”
The march will begin in the Harlan Center parking lot, proceed down Main Street, turn right onto Mound Street, then right onto First Street returning to the parking lot.
Refreshments and door prizes will be given to all walkers and supporters.
All participating men and boys will receive a certificate for a free haircut from Ally Kats Salon in Harlan.
“As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a free women’s self defense class, ‘Fight Like a Girl,’ will also be held the same day at the Harlan Center from 10 a.m. to noon,” said Caudel. “This class is open to all women and girls in the county. Master Dan Howard has volunteered to instruct the class. You don’t need prior self-defense training. You will learn strategies and tactics to help you survive a violent encounter. Pre-registration is not required. We hope to see a great turnout for both events.”
For more information or to register to participate, call 606-393-1129 or email Caudel at harlandvc@gmail.com.
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@civitasmedia.com
Post a Comment
