The Morrisville State College women鈥檚 lacrosse team is taking a stand against domestic violence and throughout the month of April will be raising awareness and donations to assist the Vera House and One Love Foundation, organizations that provide assistance to victims of domestic violence.
According to the National Institute of Justice and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, every year approximately 4.8 million women are victimized by intimate partners. Sadly, the statistics show that one in every three women fall victim to intimate partner violence.
Women between the ages of 16-24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence, with nearly one quarter experiencing sexual assault over the course of their collegiate career.
The Vera House was founded to end domestic and sexual violence, assist families in crisis, support those affected by domestic and sexual violence to live safe, self-sufficient lives, empower women and children, and promote a culture of equality and respect in relationships.
The One Love Foundation was established in 2010 to honor the memory of the University of Virginia鈥檚 Yeardley Reynolds Love, whose life was tragically cut short in May 2010 as a result of domestic violence. The 鈥淥ne鈥 represents the number Love wore on her jersey throughout her lacrosse career.
The month鈥檚 鈥淩each Out, Speak Up, Play On鈥 awareness and fundraising campaign kicks off April 1 with the campaign finale scheduled for Saturday, April 27th as the Mustangs take on conference opponent Wells College at 1 p.m. on Drake Field.
In addition to donations received up to the finale, proceeds from the contest will also be donated to the organizations, along with revenue received from raffles, silent auctions, and an online jersey auction for commemorative jerseys worn during the event.
For more information on the event, visit the Mustangs on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/morrisvillestatecollegewomenslacrosse, or contact the women鈥檚 lacrosse office by phone at 315-684-6825. You can also contact the sports information office at 315-684-6250 or through e-mail at athletics@morrisville.edu.