Published in WXOW: https://wxow.com/news/top-stories/2019/02/09/ending-gender-based-violence-that-one-billion-women-face/

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) — New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers hosted “One Billion Rising”, one of the biggest mass actions to end violence against women on February 9, 2019 at Valley View Mall.

Different organizations showed up to hand out fliers and T-shirts in support of the event’s stand against violence against women and teen dating violence.

“I think if people took anything away from this experience I hope that it’s that they’re not alone,”  UW-La Crosse Campus Climate Grad Assistant K Weinberg said. “There are people, not only at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, but in the community as well and New Horizons and the Seven Rivers Center as well who believe you and who will do whatever you need to heal.”

Though the topic is dark, bright colors were used for the movement’s logos and they put on a dance and scavenger hunt to promote the fight in a high-spirited fashion. According to New Horizon, one billion women on the planet will be raped or assaulted in her lifetime. Education and empowerment fueled Valley View’s atmosphere as the community gathered to spread awareness.