Women Fighting Against Violence

One in three girls and women are raped or beaten in their lifetime and there is help.

By Rebekah Rae

CREATED Feb. 14, 2013

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  • Women's groups here in Omaha join one billion other people as part of a global campaign called "One Billion Rising", people taking a stand against the violence. Video by kmtv.com

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 Omaha, NE - Just days after the senate voted to renew the violence against woman act, women in Omaha celebrate.  While it's a huge accomplishment for women nationwide, their joy is short-lived.  They know the fight is not over.

Thursday, Mayor Jim Suttle proclaimed February 14th as V-Day in Omaha, and it doesn't stand for Valentine's Day.  V-Day is an activist movement for women's rights.  Women's groups here in Omaha join one billion other people as part of a global campaign called "One Billion Rising", people taking a stand against the violence.  One in three girls and women are raped or beaten in their lifetime.  Mother's and daughter's who don't know where to turn.  "One Billion Rising, Omaha" wants them to know, there is help.

"I have seen so many women in my life that have been touched by sexual violence, it does such a damage to their self esteem," says Lynn Johnson-Romero who helped organize the local chapter.  She says the group meets weekly to discuss how to change a growing trend of women's violence.  Johnson-Romero says the worse thing a victim can do is stay silent, there is help.

If you are a victim of crime against woman there are many local support groups for both women and children.  The list includes:
Catholic Charities,
Legal Aid of Nebraska,
NHHS Child Protective Services,
NHHS Adult Protective Services,
Omaha Police Department Domestic Violence Unit,
Project Harmony,
Planned Parenthood,
Youth Emergency Services,
Heartland Family Services,
Girls Inc.,
Lutheran Family Services,
Domestic Violence Council,
Women's Center for Advancement,
Omaha Women's Fund,
UNO Counseling Center.