- Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2015 08:43 AM
Feb. 13, 2015 - Lake County News-Sun
By Yadira Sanchez Olson
More than 200 people answered the third annual call to rise and fight for the safety of all women Thursday during a local version of the international One Billion Rising campaign..
The Lake County Rising event brought together residents as well as dozens of local officials and social service agencies at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center, all determined to continue and broaden the movement.
Each year, near Valentine's Day, One Billion Rising reminds the world that while some women are feeling love and affection, there are others who are experiencing pain and fear.
"What a horrible thing to bring us together," said state Sen. Melinda Bush, D-31, of Grayslake, who helped organize the event. "But together is how we can end the violence."
Although the message is profound and pressing, as one in three women on the planet will be raped or beaten in her lifetime, the night's presentations were filled with hope that those in attendance will take action and make a change.
Former Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon, who has prosecuted domestic violence cases, used her musical talents to bring attention to the dark side of some relationships.
Simon played the banjo and sang songs with stories about women who met tragic deaths at the hands of men who said they loved them.
"As you can see, violence is part of our culture and it's going to take a culture change to fix it," Simon said.
Grayslake mother Lauren Roback said it was fate that brought her to the Lake County Rising event Thursday.
Hours before, she had been cleaning her car and found a flier to the event.
On a whim she decided to attend with her 7-year-old daughter Angela and her friend Kritina Zavala.
"I'm a victim of emotional abuse," Roback said. "Coming to these events helps identify what you're gong through."
Roback was able to connect with a Safe Place and said she was happy to find out that the organization provides free counseling.
"I don't want my daughter to ever have to go through this," Roback said. "I have to break the cycle."
Agency officials passed out literature and spoke about available resources.
Additional performances included poems written by women who have experienced violence as well as a dance routine by Zion middle school dancers and the North shore Elite Cheerleaders.
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