Domestic violence impacts 1 in 4 women (and many men). Like street harassers, perpetrators of domestic violence engage in the harassing or violent behaviors not because of anything their target has done but because of their desire to exert power over the person. And most abusers, just like most harassers, get away with it, in part because of our culture of gender inequality and disrespect for women and the lack of prevention methods or penalties for abusers.

Fortunately, many organizations, people, and even governments speak out against domestic violence and work to make it unacceptable. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the government of New York City is taking action.

Tonight, you can help the Manhattan Borough President’s Office Shine the Light on Domestic Violence at Times Square in New York City. Meet there at 6:30 p.m. to hear speakers and receive information on what domestic violence is and what to do about it.

Stop Street Harassment is one of the many co-sponsors of the event and two of SSH’s male allies/volunteers (who each wrote male ally blog posts earlier this year: Alan Kearl | Nick W) will attend and help pass out informational packets, so look for them and say hello!