Media Release – One Billion Rising 2016

Media Release – For Immediate Release

Sexual Assault Response Committee (SARC) & The Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society (MHWSS) Continue the “One Billion Rising” Movement to End Violence Against Women, Men, and Children

ABOUT 1 BILLION RISING: Since 2012 a worldwide movement has aimed to shake the Earth through dance, drums, and the power of our voice. One Billion Rising, an annual campaign every February 14^th bringing awareness to gender-based violence, is entering its fourth year with the theme of “My Revolution.”

1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or sexually assaulted during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than one billion women and girls (www.onebillionrising.org). This shocking statistic has driven women and men around the globe to take a stand and speak out about the violent acts suffered by so many mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

Each year on February 14^th women and men from all corners of the planet are encouraged to join in the movement in their own personal way. Some create choreographed dances (flash mobs), others write their reason to rise on posters, and some organize full-scale peaceful protests at government buildings in the hopes of motivating policy and law changes.

LOCAL ACTION: The Sexual Assault Response Committee (SARC) and the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society (MHWSS) are encouraging everyone, not only women, to begin their own revolution to end violence against women. “We are fortunate in our community that people take a stand against violence everyday. One Billion Rising is an opportunity to rise up and show those affected that we are here to support them. These actions also show those that perpetrate violence that their actions are not tolerated,” says Christina Johnson, Executive Director for SARC. “Standing up for something you believe in is a simple act but can be the most powerful thing someone can do. It takes courage and strength to speak out against violence with your family or friends. It’s time to stand up and say that we are against violence – say it and mean it…everyday,” adds Aimee Sarsons, Public Education and Awareness Coordinator for MHWSS.

GET INVOLVED: Starting today, people can share their revolution with us through social media. Post your videos and pictures to our Facebook and Twitter pages and join the movement! Videos and pictures can be shared on Twitter using @SARCmedicinehat or @MHWomensShelter using the hastag #1BillionRising. To share on Facebook, visit our page Sarc Medicine Hat or Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society. Contributions can also be emailed to sarccommunications@gmail.com and we can post it for you!

For more information please contact:

Christina Johnson, Executive Director

Sexual Assault Response Committee

PH: 403-548-2717       

Email: sarccoordinator@gmail.com