The public is invited to “rise up” against domestic violence at a daytime event in North Delta this week.
One Billion Rising will feature a series of speakers, including an aboriginal elder – acknowledging missing and murdered aboriginal women – and Delta’s Chief of Police, Neil Dubord.
A female survivor of abuse will tell her story, as will the mom of murdered Surrey student Maple Batalia.
Batalia, 19, was shot to death in September 2011 in a parking lot outside SFU Surrey. Her former boyfriend Gurjinder (Gary) Dhaliwal and another man have been charged but have yet to face trial.
One Billion Rising is a global initiative launched in 2012 to end violence against women. The campaign began as a call to action based on the statistic that one in three women worldwide will be beaten or raped in her lifetime.
Local, provincial and federal politicians will also be present at the Delta event and there will be a Break the Chain dance performance.
One Billion Rising is hosted by NEVER (Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships), a non-profit group whose aim it is to end domestic violence “through coordinated, open and seamless service delivery, collaboration, sharing of resources among service providers, community leaders, educators and government bodies.” Balbir Gurm, the group’s facilitator, will speak to attendees.
One Billion Rising takes place Friday, Feb. 12, from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Firehall Centre for the Arts, 11489 84 Ave.