Dancers and supporters lined up to show how they want to “Break the Chain” of violence worldwide where an estimated 1 billion women and girls are abused, raped and/or beaten each year.

1 Billion Rising draws dancers to Ebell Park to
rise against violence

February 18, 2015
Santa Paula News

“I raise my arms to the sky

On my knees I pray

I’m not afraid anymore

I will walk through that door

Walk, dance, rise

Walk, dance, rise”

It  was  V-Day for dozens of Santa Paulans and their supporters who spent part of Valentine’s Day rising to become part of 1 Billion Rising, a worldwide demonstration to end violence against women and girls and bring peace to all, no matter their age or gender.

Those attending Saturday’s event were asked to take the 1 Billion Rising pledge to be part of a new world ignited by a new energy by doing one thing in the next year to end violence against women.

1 Billion Rising began at Ebell Park where supporters holding homemade pink and red signs in English and Spanish urging an end to violence against women rallied, followed by dozens of dancers performing “Break the Chain” originally choreographed by famed dancer Debbie Allen.

The dancers have practiced for several weeks at workshops held throughout Santa Paula and they were cheered by the crowd, some holding signs including one that read “You can stop the violence!” and another proclaiming “No mas de abuso” (“No more abuse”). 

As more and more people arrived at the park, Loni Kate English of the V-Day Committee admitted to being “Excited,” at the turnout, a sign of growing awareness of stopping the violence.

Jennifer Lara of Santa Paula said she hurried over from her East Main Street store with her two children to take part in the event. 

“I had a whole bunch of people in the shop,” said Lara, “and I was going ‘please leave’ “ so the family could be part of 1 Billion Rising.

Melissa Jasmine of Saticoy brought her niece and some friends for an early dose of community activism centered on stopping violence against women. 

“I think this is the only 1 Billion Rising event in the county,” said Jasmine, who noted her sister had been in an abusive relationship until family members convinced her to leave.

“She showed how hard it is to escape, how victims can be brainwashed to believe they somehow deserve it,” she added.

The struggle won’t be over “Until the Violence Stops!” proclaimed a sign done in traditional Valentine’s Day colors of pink and red displayed by Jan Shepherd of Santa Paula.

Shepherd said she is used to demonstrating: “I’ve been with NOW [National Organization for Women] for years... “

Alejandrian Carrasco of Santa Paula said it was her first time at a 1 Billion Rising event where dozens of dancers - including City Councilwoman the Rev. Jenny Crosswhite, a co-organizer of the event - moved to “Break the Chain” written by Tena Clark. 

“I’m here supporting the cause and to break the cycle,” of violence, said Chip Fraser of Santa Paula. “If we don’t do it, who will? And, if we don’t do it now, when will it be done?”

Soroptimist International of Santa Paula was an event co-sponsor and President Heidi Juarez as well as members Laura Phillips and Cynthia Mendez-Jordan also on hand to demonstrate the support that has been a longtime tradition of Soroptimists around the world.

Jose Melgar of Melgar Photo Studio volunteered his skills to photograph the event that he admitted was more than he expected: “That was quite a workout!” he said admiringly at the conclusion of the dance that was led by Vanessa White, owner of Santa Paula Fitness.

Following the dance there was a program of music, art, poetry and speakers at nearby Universalist Unitarian Church (UUC).

The UUC Rev. Maddie Sifantus said although she has just moved to Santa Paula the church, a historical landmark, has acted as a sanctuary, “a safety net,” especially for those “dealing with difficult situations,” for more than 100 years.

First Christian Church Rev. Crosswhite was the master of ceremonies and noted, “Let there be light and love and may we create a safe place in all locations we inhabit... “ 

But she cautioned that some of the remarks might be “difficult” to hear, and although people could step out they were also encouraged to speak to those at the event who could direct them to services.

Sylvia Godinez, of One Step A La Vez and the Coalition for Family Harmony located in Fillmore, was the featured speaker for the bilingual program. 

She recounted her own experience of being a victim of violence for more than 18 years and how she was only able to leave due to the help of others.

But in 1995, “There wasn’t any support in Fillmore,” for those needing outside help but now there are services that work with women and families looking to escape the violence.

Such as “Rosa” who was taken to the hospital “barely breathing,” after being beaten. 

Godinez said although Rosa feared for her life once she reached out she was able to get a restraining order against her abuser and legal custody of her children.

“I was with her,” said Godinez, “every step of the way... “





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