"It's not just about awareness, it's about action." Rosario Dawson explained while on The Last Word with MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell Wednesday night. In conjunction with One Billion Rising, a non-profit organization, Dawson is bringing attention to today's 15th Anniversary of V-Day.
What is V-Day and why is it on Valentine's day? "14 February 2013 is V-Day's 15th anniversary. When we started V-Day 14 years ago, we had the outrageous idea that we could end violence against women. Though we have seen many victories over the years, violence against women and girls is still prevalent. One Billion Rising is an appreciation, amplification and an escalation." The website shares. 1 in 3 women will be raped or beaten in her lifetime. Now is the time to speak up, now is the time to take a stand for women. "Violence against women and girls is not only a woman's issue; it's a human issue."
On Tuesday, the Violence Against Women Act passed in the Senate 78 to 22. Now the issue goes to the House. The Huffington Post reported, "Republican leaders still haven't signaled how they plan to proceed. Senators who voted against the bill included Republicans John Barrasso (Wyo.), Roy Blunt (Mo.), John Boozman (Ark.), Tom Coburn (Okla.), John Cornyn (Texas), Ted Cruz (Texas), Mike Enzi (Wyo.), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Orrin Hatch (Utah), James Inhofe (Okla.), Mike Johanns (Neb.), Ron Johnson (Wisc.), Mike Lee (Utah), Mitch McConnell (Ky.), Rand Paul (Ky.), Jim Risch (Idaho), Pat Roberts (Kansas), Marco Rubio (Fla.), Jeff Sessions (Ala.), John Thune (S.D.) and Tim Scott (S.C.)."
'The Invisible War' is a new documentary (2013) dealing with rape in the military. The film shares, "Jessica Hinves, of Hampton, Virginia, was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force from 2001 to 2011 as a senior airman working as a tactical aircraft maintainer. After reporting her rape, Jessica Hinves was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and discharged from the military. During the investigation into the assault, her perpetrator was awarded Airman of the Year." The Daily Beast's Alyssa Rosenberg reported, "...instead of being dismissed as Hollywood liberalism, or creating a temporary spike in awareness that dissipates shortly after its release, The Invisible War is helping push forward action in Congress and substantive reform in the military itself."
Today, on Valentine's Day, remember the women in your life. With 1 in 3 women having to suffer rape or abuse in their lifetime, the numbers need to change. Valentine's Day is more than celebrating your romantic relationship, it's about celebrating life and taking action for those we love.
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