Rising for justice

PUHI — The flags are a symbol of a worldwide problem.

It’s an issue that affects every country, every state, every county — and Kauai’s no exception.

On Monday, the little red flags placed around the Kauai Community College campus served as a reminder of just that. And that more must be done to prevent the problem.

“We encourage students to stop and make a red flag to raise awareness about violence against women,” said Patricia Wistinghausen, manager of the KCC campus public safety department, which is coordinating  the Red Flag Campaign with the YMCA.

The weeklong flag campaign culminates with the “One Billion Rising — International Flash Mob/Dance” event from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday at the school’s One Stop Center.

The name of the dance is symbolic too, said Leialoha Sanchez of the YWCA of Kauai.

“One Billion Rising for justice is a global call to women survivors of violence and those who love them to gather in a community outside places where they are entitled to justice,” she explained.

Statistics say that Kauai isn’t immune to domestic violence.

Kauai Police Department’s Investigative Services Bureau reported that officers responded to 72 calls involving domestic violence matters in December 2013. This compared to 134 in December 2012.

While the annual totals were not officially released for 2013, in six months of reports to the Kauai Police Commission, 402 responses have been logged.

KPD reported that in fiscal year 2011, there were 421 reported instances of abuse of a family or household member, and 225 arrests related to these crimes. There were 105 reported violations of protective orders.

The Children’s Justice Center of Kauai provides support for children who are victims of violence or neglect and works as a buffer with police and the courts by providing a welcoming setting to interview children who are witnesses to domestic violence in their homes.

CJC Program Director Jessell Kerr said the community has come a long way, but that more awareness is needed.

“I also think that we are more aware of it than in the past and we are getting better at recognizing what is happening here on Kauai,” Kerr said.

A better focus on ensuring that children have an experience in the process includes working with families in the home and for a better systems response, she said.

“As far as our center, I think we have a good collaboration in general with the police and the prosecutor’s office in talking about these issues,” Kerr said.

During Friday’s dance event, people can learn the dance and join survivors to break the silence through art, dance, marches, ritual, song or spoken word.

Representatives of the YWCA of Kauai, PAU Violence Kauai, and the safety department will have displays and information on helping people curb the violence against women.

• Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.