For many, Valentine’s Day represents romance, gifts and that four-letter word: Love. A shocking four-letter word not typically spoken of on Feb. 14 is “rape.” A Valentine’s Day flashmob took place at around noon at Skyline putting the concern of violence against women front and center.

According to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (U.N. Women), one in three of the world’s women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. In response to this statistic, A.S.S.C. teamed up with the Black Student Union and The Skyline College Dance Honor Society to participate in the global movement, One Billion Rising to inform the Skyline community about the atrocities facing women around the globe. The movement was first started in 1998 by V-Day, a community of activists dedicated to ending violence against women.

One Billion Rising events were held in multiple cities across the country. Joining Skyline College in the cause were high school students, office workers, police officers and even prison inmates. They encouraged everyone to “strike, dance and rise” for the fight. Among the biggest events was held at San Francisco City Hall where onlookers were treated to a flashmob set to the event’s anthem “Break the Chain.”

“Unfortunately, Valentine’s Day is when women are most vulnerable to being sexually assaulted,” said student body senator, Richard Lopez-Albinano. “One of the A.S.S.C.’s main objectives is to help bring these issues to light. It’s a problem that we believe needs to be addressed.”

Although this event marks the first time Skyline has taken part in the movement, One Billion Rising has been an international campaign for 15 years and may remain an annual recognition in the future.

“I personally don’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day but I do think it’s great that the school tries to raise awareness,” shared sophomore Chase Sandal. Sandal says that after hearing the reported statistics, he knew he had to get involved. He added, “It’s a problem that won’t go away on its own.”

Student government also provided Skyline with traditional Valentine’s Day offerings, staying in the spirit of the yearly celebration. Safe sex literature, candy and condoms were made available for students to better educate themselves on how to stay protected.

Skyline student Victor Moran commended the Valentine’s Day event calling the performance an amazing display of unity. “It’s crazy to think that we’re talking about this on Valentine’s Day, but a lot of us have to wise up to what’s going on,” Moran said. “We just have to respect each other. No one deserves to experience this tragedy.”