In the news: Zonta Club of Fredericksburg marks global campaign with local activities

Main Street banner, reception to focus on domestic violence prevention efforts

The Zonta Club of Fredericksburg (ZCF) is taking part in 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence — an international campaign that aims to inspire action and end violence against women and girls around the world.

Local activities include a banner over Main Street, a display at the Girl Scout Cabin on the corner of Crockett and Austin streets, a service project to benefit domestic violence victims, and a celebration at The Schatze Haus Resale Boutique — which benefits The Grace Center — on Wednesday, Nov. 29 from 3-6 p.m.

The Grace Center of Fredericksburg provides shelter, offers guidance, and schedules free and confidential services to empower those who have been impacted by domestic violence and seek to escape their abuser.

“Zonta envisions a world where no woman lives in fear of violence. Through the Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women campaign, our members and allies stand together, uniting our voices to advocate for all those who have suffered gender-based violence,” said Zonta International President Ute Scholz. “Zonta is needed now, more than ever, to continue its work to end violence and build a better world for women and girls.”

The 16 Days of Activism campaign began Nov. 25, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ends Dec. 10, International Human Rights Day.

Zonta International encourages its clubs to participate in advocacy efforts that focus on prevention, protection and prosecution.
ZCF activities include:

• A “ZONTA SAYS NO” banner over Main Street at Crockett Street and the Girl Scout Cabin display on the corner of Crockett and Austin streets show off orange (the color for domestic violence awareness) and #16DaysofActivism information.
The corner display also provides QR Codes for more information about the campaign and Zonta efforts.
• A service project to make 50 hygiene bags for The Grace Center. These bags are filled with a variety of basic toiletries to be offered to women entering The Grace Center after fleeing a violent domestic event.
• The Nov. 29 reception at The Schatze Haus Resale Boutique brings attention to its work to support The Grace Center.
“Join us to learn more about domestic violence in our community and how these organizations work together to fight it,” said ZFC president Elizabeth Wunderlich.

“The Grace Center gives hope by offering local domestic violence victims a place to seek shelter from their abuser,” Wunderlich said. “Supporting The Schatze Haus and The Grace Center is in perfect alignment with our Zonta mission and 16 Days of Activism. We encourage the community to join us on Wednesday to learn more about what this amazing organization is doing for our residents affected by violent trauma at the hands of a domestic partner.”