Documentary ‘Missing Young Woman’ to be shown to bring violence
issues to light
Gilroy – Since 1993, hundreds of young women in Juarez, Mexico have disappeared. Many were kidnapped, raped, and murdered. And many of their bodies have still not been found.
Community Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency, is hosting a free showing of the documentary “Senorita Extraviada, Missing Young Woman” Wednesday night, to bring their story to light and help raise awareness about sexual violence occurring closer to home.
“This is a global issue. Sexual violence happens in every country,” said Amy Molica, Sexual Assault and Prevention Services Coordinator.
Numerous studies indicate that one in four women will be sexually assaulted in her lifetime, and that one in 10 men will be. April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and Community Solutions is hoping that more men and women who are victims will feel safe enough to speak out.
“(It’s) an opportunity for people to step forward and show their support to survivors; to create a community where survivors feel safe to speak out and attackers do not feel safe committing sexual violence,” said Sexual Assault Advocate Debbie Ruiz in a release.
After the showing of “Missing Young Woman,” will be the unveiling of “Truth and Hope,” an art exhibit Molica created and coordinated.
The show is intended to address the feelings of individuals who experience sexual assault through a series of painted masks and candles.
Various members of the Community Solutions staff, volunteers, sexual assault survivors and the group Girls for a Change created candles to symbolize hope for an end to sexual violence.
“It’s imperative that we understand these inhumane crimes and recognize the individual needs of each victim, survivor, and their families in order to effectively provide necessary support.”
It will be shown at 6:30pm, April 19 at the Morgan Hill Community Play House, 17000 Monterey Road. For info, call 776-2113.
