PORT TOWNSEND — An all-day event culminating in a community dance at Haller Fountain on Friday is intended to call attention to violence against women and provide victims a path to safety.
“It’s important to bring awareness to the issue of domestic violence,” said Annalisa Barelli, one of the organizers of the second annual Port Townsend Rising.
“We want to build a safe community where people in relationships that aren’t safe can come forward and seek help and support.”
Throughout the day, donations will be solicited for Dove House, a resource center for domestic violence in Port Townsend.
Barelli said 1 in 3 women worldwide will be exposed to domestic violence in their lifetime.
The V-Day celebration is part of an international movement that was founded by author Eve Ensler, who wrote The Vagina Monologues.
The day begins at noon with a dance at Madrona MindBody at 200 Battery Way in Fort Worden State Park, followed by a discussion on issues at
1:30 p.m. in the same location.
A bicycle ride called “Ride for Justice” follows at 2 p.m. at the ReCyclery, 1925 Blaine St., with a parade route through town.
At 4 p.m., a dance begins at Haller Fountain, where participants will join in for a choreographed dance to two selections that celebrate the empowerment of women, Barelli said.
This includes live DJ beats from Silace Amaro, a special percussion performance from Rhythm Planet and an interactive performance from the Poetic Justice Theatre Ensemble.
About 100 people have attended three rehearsals for the songs “Break the Chain” and “U R the Answer,” but rehearsal attendance is not a prerequisite for participation, Barelli said.
Potential dancers can study the moves through a video on the Madrona website, www.madronamindbody.com, or they can just show up, she said.
Barelli said V-Day is meant to celebrate mothers, daughters, sisters and teachers, and is not for women only.
At a recent rehearsal dance, leader Allison Dey said she was inspired that many men and children had chosen to participate.
“Dancing together, we embody our own personal stories and unite in celebration of women everywhere,” Barelli said.
“It is also a time for Port Townsend to recognize Dove House, whose hard work and commitment to empowering women helps to heal lives and families.”
Dove House Advocacy Services provides confidential crisis intervention and advocacy to survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
For information on Dove House, which is located at 1045 10th St., phone 360-385-5291 or visit www.dovehousejc.org.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
