Victory Over Violence, a UF student organization that hosts the production of "The Vagina Monologues" annually, is hosting RAINN Day, an annual campaign created by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network to stop sexual assault on college campuses.
"'The Vagina Monologues' is very effective in getting the message out about sexual assault, but we wanted to get involved in an even bigger way this year," said Jackie Azis, president of Victory Over Violence.
The organization, which provides a network of support for those who have been affected by domestic, sexual or dating violence, hopes to raise awareness among students by participating in RAINN Day.
Even though the event is Thursday, the group is hosting events in honor of the day starting Tuesday and concluding with a discussion panel about global and domestic violence and women's rights on Oct. 9. Other events include a free one-hour self defense class for up to 30 women Wednesday in the Community Services Division building and a movie screening Thursday night at the Civic Media Center.
Victory Over Violence will ask for donations of $3 to $5 to watch the movie and will split half the money with the center.
Azis said she hopes participants will benefit from the group's message and learn about abuse, how common it is and how to prevent it.
"We want to reach out to the entire UF community and especially to those who are victims of any kind of violence," Azis said. "We want people to know there is support and services available to them."
