President Trump’s shutdown of the US government is not just a political stunt. It is having serious impact on many lives. Not only are 800,000 workers going without pay, but the lives of many are now at risk. Shelters around the country rely on federal grants to carry out their work; yet many of these opportunities remain frozen at this time.

“Trump has repeatedly stressed that he has to keep the government shutdown to extract funding for his border wall in the name of safety and security. But the shutdown, if it continues, will threaten women’s safety and security as services and shelters go dark.” From the article ‘At What Point Do We Have to Start Shutting Down?’ Domestic Violence Shelters Struggle to Survive the Government Shutdown(Glamour, 16 January 2019)

For over 20 years, V-Day Activists have produced V-Day benefit productions of The Vagina Monologues and other artistic works to raise funds for local rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters so that the most vulnerable women and their families can be served.

We are ever thankful for your support of the survivors in your community, for your creativity, determination and tireless work to end harassment, rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sex slavery.

In the face of this systemic neglect and violence, this work is urgent and necessary. US Activists – here are ways that you can help –

• Support survivors in your community! Produce a benefit in YOUR community or your college campus to raise money for a local shelter or crisis center. Visit vday.org/2019 for info or email our team at [email protected].

• If you are already planning a V-Day benefit, we would love to hear from your beneficiary about if / how the shutdown is impacting them. Please send us a video or a note at [email protected]. We plan to share these stories through our social media platforms, so please make sure that the copy is approved for public sharing.

When women take to the streets and the stage incredible things happen, as their issues are voiced and confronted for all to see and hear.

#VRageAndRise
#SayItStageIt
#UntilTheViolenceStops