My apologies, I’m a day late making this announcement. In all fairness, I’ve been sick and I’m still kinda loopy. I’m really bummed I missed opening night for GiRL FeST, but hopefully you guys will be able to check out their other cool events going on all week.

Anyway! GiRL FeST Hawaii 2008 just kicked off last night and has festivities from November 7th-15th. For their daily schedule, go here. It gives you an hourly breakdown of the activities/performances/workshops taking place each day.

This year’s theme is stopping violence against women and girls. This is a cause that is very important to me and I hope that everyone is able to contribute (on any level) to this important cause.

Hawaii statistics for domestic violence is quite startling. According to the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Honolulu Police Department, the Sex Abuse Treatment Center, and the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence,

In a population of approximately one million people…

1)  There is one death per month due to domestic violence.

2) Between 1/3 and 1/2 of the police department’s work time is spent tending to domestic  violence calls.

3) One out of every two girls under the age of 18 either has been or knows of another girl who has been physically abused.

4) One of out five girls under the age of 18 in Hawaii has been sexually assaulted.

5) There is an average of 25 rapes per month in the State of Hawaii that are reported. Less than 28% of rapes that occur are actually reported.

I will get off my soapbox now, but I will say that there is NO excuse for domestic violence. Seriously, no excuse.

Any opportunity to help raise awareness about domestic violence, educate and help those in need, and create a safe (and fun) environment for people supporting this cause should be commended. However, GiRL FeST is something truly special.

Filed under: Announcements, Nightlife
Posted: November 8th 2008