Hogar Ruth launches ‘Fearless Caravan’ to eradicate violence against women and girls

The Fearless Caravan, which traveled through the communities of Vega Alta on Tuesday, marks the beginning of Hogar Ruth’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual United Nations campaign held from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

By THE STAR STAFF

With a Fearless Caravan (Caravana Sin Miedo) to raise its voice against violence, Hogar Ruth commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on Tuesday.

“At Hogar Ruth, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the lives, safety, and dignity of women and girls in Puerto Rico,” said Lisdel Flores Barger, executive director of Hogar Ruth. “This caravan represents the starting point of a collective effort to raise awareness, educate, and mobilize the community around the urgent need to eradicate gender-based violence.”

The Fearless Caravan, which traveled through the communities of Vega Alta, marks the beginning of Hogar Ruth’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an annual United Nations campaign held from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, Human Rights Day.

“Our Fearless Caravan symbolizes how we raise our voices to let the community of Vega Alta and Puerto Rico know that we believe a life without fear, free from violence, is possible,” stated Johamy González, coordinator of Hogar Ruth’s Community Outreach Program. “The intention is to raise awareness and, at the same time, provide access to the services that continue to save the lives of women, children, and families.”

This year, the 16 Days of Activism focus on one of the forms of violence against women that has grown the most in recent years: technology-assisted or digital violence. It will also be the topic of Hogar Ruth’s third annual discussion, which will feature a panel of young people who have suffered this type of violence and experts who will discuss the strategies of the state, organizations and communities to create safe online spaces. The discussion will take place next Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Monte Rey Community Center in Vega Alta, starting at 8 a.m.

“Digital violence manifests itself every day. It is important to point it out, recognize it, and identify it,” González said. “The virtual world in which we immerse ourselves every day can be just as violent as the physical world. These 16 days of activism lead us to take a closer look at digital violence, analyze it, and demand attention with a broad vision to this problem.”

Flores Barger added that: “Together we can transform our society and build a future free of violence, where the human rights of all are fully respected.”

Hogar Ruth offers emergency shelter, housing, outpatient counseling and guidance, a sexual assault response team (ERAAS by its initials in Spanish), legal advocacy, the Mariposa Montessori preschool for children of violence survivors, a community outreach program, and a volunteer program.

Those seeking more information about the 16 Days of Activism activities or to access emergency services can email hogarruth@yahoo.com or call (787) 883-1884.