‘One Billion Rising’ Brings Community Together to End Violence against Women

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 14, 2016) – Members of the UAlbany community were part of a dancing flash mob on April 9, organized to raise awareness for violence against women. The event, held on the Downtown Campus, was part of a global campaign known as “One Billion Rising.”

Founded in 2012 by the V-Day Organization, the event encourages people around the world to dance in defiance against women’s injustices. Its title is derived from the United Nations’ statistic that an estimated one billion women will be beaten or raped at some point during their life. Over the last two years, the movement has gone viral, with people from over 200 countries participating.

“One Billion Rising” has become an annual event at UAlbany, organized the last two years by members of the School of Social Welfare. These have included graduate students Jessica Perk, Brianna VanAlphen and John Durden, along with adjunct professor Jenny Frank.

“’One Billion Rising’ calls us all to come together, in a physical, emotional and spiritual event, to acknowledge the prevalence and impact of violence against women,” Perk said. “It is a sign to both victims and perpetrators that we will not sit by and watch the abuse continue.”

To learn more about “One Billion Rising,” visit its official website. You may also inquire by email if you are interested in joining future campaign-related events at the University.

The event was part of UAlbany’s involvement in Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which the campus is recognizing through a number of April programs and events.

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