For the first time in 26 years, the annual Men’s March Against Domestic Violence, which unifies thousands who walk the streets of downtown Honolulu, is being held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Throughout October, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness month, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) is encouraging everyone to join them in the fight to end domestic violence. To amplify the message, they’ve produced a public service announcement and a collection of videos featuring UH Mānoa administrators, JABSOM students, faculty, staff and local celebrities, who urge the public to reach out to those who may be victims and seek help.
“It (domestic violence) breaks everything about the person: their body, their mental and emotional state, their outlook on life. The worst part is that they feel they can never escape,” said Chaz Kuniyoshi, a second-year medical student who is part of JABSOM’s Domestic Violence Awareness Committee.
According to the committee, there has been an alarming rise in domestic violence and abuse cases internationally due to shelter-in-place mandates meant to curb the spread of the ongoing pandemic.
The PSA features several male UH Mānoa campus leaders, including: JABSOM Dean Jerris Hedges, Provost Michael Bruno, Athletics Director David Matlin, College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka, College of Education Dean Nathan Murata and Hawaiʻinuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge Dean Jonathan Osorio.
Local celebrities who make their pledge against domestic violence include: Ben Vegas, Billy V, Augie T, Josh Tatofi, Justin Cruz and more.
Vew the videos and find out how you can participate in the fight against domestic violence.
Get help now!
Domestic Violence Action Center
Oʻahu helpline: (808) 531-3771
Toll-free helpline: (800) 690-6200
New text line: (605) 956-5680
