Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to say I love you to those we care for and who care for us. It is also becoming a day to raise our consciousness about women around the world who do not experience the day as a happy day. Many women and girls experience violence on a daily basis and fear for their life and well-being. V-Day is a worldwide movement to stop violence against women and girls.

To learn more about this go to www.vday.org. It seems outrageous to me, that in the aftermath of such a huge lesson on the dangers of terrorists from other countries, our culture does not get equally outraged about the violence and terrorism going on in our own neighborhoods and on our own campus against women and girls. Congratulations to all the people addressing this problem on campus. It will take the entire community addressing violence against women to bring it to a halt.

The Sexual Assault Task Force (ISU and community members) is coordinating two workshops for women and men on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. “Safety & You” will provide women tips for personal safety, information on dating violence, rape drugs and crime statistics. Assertiveness skills and basic self-defense skills will be addressed. This workshop will be offered in the Sun Room, Memorial Union.

“Visible Allies: Men Reducing Violence Against Women” is being presented by the Margaret Sloss Women’s Center, Men’s Outreach Program (Jeff Cullen Coordinator). Men will learn about healthy relationships, gender socialization, and what men can do to reduce violence against women. This workshop will be offered in the Pioneer Room, Memorial Union.

Following both workshops participants are invited to attend the Campus & Community Resource Fair for additional information. Presenters include: ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support), ISU and Ames Police Departments, and Story County Sexual Assault Response Team.

Resource Fair participants include: ACCESS, ISU & Ames Police Departments, Story County Attorney’s Office/Victim Witness Assistance Program, Planned Parenthood, ISU Student Counseling Services, ISU Student Health Services, ISU Women’s Center, and more.

Questions about the Sexual Assault Task Force may be addressed to the chairwoman, Penny Rice at 294-4154 or by e-mail, [email protected].

Jane Greimann

State Representative, D-Ames