Worried About Vaginas

“I bet you're worried. I was worried. I was worried about vaginas. I was worried about what we think about vaginas, and even more worried that we don't think about them.” Eve Ensler, The Vagina Monologues

Happy Valentine's Day! Over the weekend my Facebook feed was filled with pictures of romantic gestures: flower deliveries, homemade gifts, shout outs to loved ones, etc. There were also more than a few posts (both positive and negative) about a movie that opened this weekend - Fifty Shades of Grey. Heard of it?

“I gasp, and I'm Eve in the Garden of Eden, and he's the serpent, and I cannot resist.” E.L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey

Wherever you stand on the Fifty Shades/S&M debate, I'm glad for one thing - There is a conversation happening about sex and the importance of ensuring safe, healthy sexual relationships.

Let me be clear. This blog post is NOT about consensual S&M. And its NOT about that devastatingly handsome Christian Grey (although the Student Affairs professional in me certainly felt a bit protective of Miss Steele). Instead, I want to talk about some real statistics on violence against women:

• According to a report in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 28% of US female veterans reported sexual assault during their careers (Women's eNews, 3/30/03).
• One in six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape (2004 National Crime Victimization Survey)
• Nearly three in four family violence victims are female – 73%. (US Bureau of Justice, June 2005)
• 1 in 3 women across the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime (fyi - that adds up to ONE BILLION women) 

Are you horrified yet? I am.

Last week Central Penn College students, faculty, and staff gathered to initiate a similar conversation at the College's second annual production of The Vagina Monologues.

Written by Eve Ensler, The Vagina Monologues shares the voices of a diverse group of females: a six-year-old girl, a sex worker, a rape survivor, a childbirth partner, and more. The monologues were the result of a series of interviews Ensler led about an often taboo topic – vaginas. Now these monologues are used to empower women, increase awareness about violence against women and girls, and raise funds to end that violence. 100% of the proceeds from our Central Penn College performance benefited YWCA Carlisle. 

Cast and Crew: Maria Rodriguez, Maria Thiaw, Laiken Binner, Christine Latchford, Megan Peterson, Anita Witmer, Naydia Bonner, Rebekah Nolt, Caitlin Copus, Teta Gaye, Carolyn Rodriguez, Daniel Blichasz, Jessica Grice, & Jaida May

So whether Christian Grey or a star-studded line up of college students starts the conversation, I'm glad we're talking! Because the statistics above have got to GO. In the words of Christian Grey, "Laters, Baby!" 

Here are a few things YOU can do right now to help: 

• Know what consent is and isn't (hint - there are mutually agreed-upon boundaries and consent from all partners every time). 
• Know the warning signs and reach out to loves ones who may be in an unsafe situation. 
• Support events with the cause in mind. The Vagina Monologues are being performed all over the world - find a show near you!
• Educate others about violence against women. Share this post and keep the conversation going.

V-Day Anti-Violence Resource Guide:  

If you or someone you know has experienced violence in the United States, call one of the the following numbers:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-HOPE
• 24 Hour Confidential Rape Hotline. National Victim Center: 800-FYI-CALL (394-2255). Operating 8:30AM-5:30PM EST, the NVC hotline helps locate assistance in your community if you have been the victim of a violent crime.

#vday #onebillionrising #rise4revolution