Every year, York’s Empower Club recognizes a day to support the fight against domestic violence. This Friday, the club and its supporters will don homemade felt V’s to spread awareness.

While domestic violence may seem like a distant problem, the harsh reality is that this type of abuse happens right here in our hallways. It is important that York realizes this, and do their best to prevent further violence.

York-hi sat down with Adela Skowronski, student leader of Empower, and asked her a few questions about V-day.

1. What is V-day? Is it different than Valentine’s Day?

V-day is a global movement to end violence against women and girls that’s been started by an organization dedicated to the same cause. It’s different than Valentine’s Day because it’s, a) not necessarily centered on love and b) not actually celebrated on one day only! People host “V-Day” Days all throughout the year, although Valentine’s day is a popular time period to host events in. Centering V-Day around Valentine’s Day helps to remind people that it’s not ok to be abusive or accept abuse in a relationship.

It’s different than Valentine’s Day because it’s, a) not necessarily centered on love and b) not actually celebrated on one day only! People host “V-Day” Days all throughout the year, although Valentine’s day is a popular time period to host events in. Centering V-Day around Valentine’s Day helps to remind people that it’s not ok to be abusive or accept abuse in a relationship.

Centering V-Day around Valentine’s Day helps to remind people that it’s not ok to be abusive or accept abuse in a relationship.

2. Why is it important for people, or York students, in particular, to be aware of it?

Violence against partners – especially women and girls – is still a very prevalent issue in the U.S. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence estimates that nearly 20 people are physically abused by a partner per minute… A 2011 study found that ~ 22% of black women, 19% of White non-Hispanic women, and 15% of Hispanic women in the US have experienced rape.

Before we can work towards making a difference, we need to make sure that people are well-informed on the issue — especially since high schoolers can also be victims; nearly 1.5 million high school students are physically abused by dating partners every year [according to the N.C.A.D.V].

3. Is there anything students could do to help either gather awareness for V-day or to stop women’s violence?

Promoting V-Day is easy – just pick up a red V from the academic entrance on Friday, February 12th! Unfortunately, stopping relationship abuse and violence towards women is another story.

Unfortunately, stopping relationship abuse and violence towards women is another story. The best thing you can do as a student is to stay informed about the issues. Stop by the EMPOWER table during lunch on the 12th, learn the signs of an abusive relationship, and work towards developing respect towards everyone. However, if you know someone who might be going through abusive treatment, never hesitate to contact The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or CAW.org.

However, if you know someone who might be going through abusive treatment, never hesitate to contact The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence or CAW.org.