JOHNSON CITY (January 30, 2013) – East Tennessee State University is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the international effort V-Day, dedicated to ending violence against women and girls around the globe.

The main event for this year, called One Billion Rising, calls attention to the fact that one in three women on the planet will be beaten or raped during her lifetime, and that amounts to one billion women.

On the ETSU campus, there will be surprise events when the Buccaneers face Lipscomb University at the women’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 2, at 1:30 p.m. and at the men’s game at 4 p.m.

During the official worldwide day to honor One Billion Rising, Thursday, Feb. 14, there will be a silent march around the ETSU campus at 12:45 p.m. and a dance event at the Galaxy Lounge, 216 E. Main St., from 7-11 p.m. A $5 cover charge will raise money for non-profit organizations in upper East Tennessee dedicated to serving women survivors of violence. Music will be provided by Jen Rock, The Cry Babies, Amythyst Kiah and Charis Hixson. No alcohol will be served at the event.

According to the international V-Day organizers, all the countries in the world except for 14 are taking part in One Billion Rising.

The event has been organized by the ETSU student group, the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance, the ETSU Women’s Studies Department and Shakti in the Mountains, a local organization offering support to women, as well as the Amazing Woman Foundation.

For special assistance for those with disabilities or more information about the silent march, contact one of the ETSU student organizers, Shae Keane, at keanes@goldmail.etsu.edu. To volunteer at the evening dance event, contact student organizer Casey Walker at walkercl1@goldmail.etsu.edu.