love does not hurt... campaign October 25, Sermons October 28, Community Forum October 30-November 1, love does not hurt play Domestic violence (DV), also referred to as domestic abuse and intimate partner violence, occurs when a family member, romantic partner, or ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically/emotionally dominate another. According to statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and 85% of all domestic violence victims are women. Domestic violence affects all Americans, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or spiritual practice. However, the "face" of DV is disproportionately becoming that of the African-American woman, where black women experience intimate partner violence at rates 35% higher than their white counterparts and heartbreakingly, intimate partner homicide is the leading cause of death for African-American women ages 15-45. On Sunday, October 25, 2009, us along with Affinity Community Services, Rape Victim Advocates, Writeous Media and community organizers, invite leaders of faith communities across Chicago's South Side to present their members with a special "Love Does Not Hurt" message addressing violence against women. This interfaith initiative is designed to encourage all spiritual gatherings to focus on ending domestic violence and continue the dialogue surrounding domestic violence awareness. Confirmed: *Trinity United Church of Christ 400 West 95th Street Chicago, Illinois 60628 Sundays Worship Services: 7:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. Note: All three sermons will address domestic violence. In addition, Trinity's Drama and Dance Ministries will perform pieces that addresses violence against women. *The Faith Family of West Point Baptist Church Domestic Violence and Advocacy Ministry will be participating in thier 10:45 a.m. Sunday Morning Glory 3566-72 South Cottage Grove Ave. Faith communities are a pillar in nearly all South Side neighborhoods and this is where many black women go to receive information and healing. Our goal with this initiative is to meet people where they are and continue to break the silence. In addition to addressing domestic violence through the special October 25th message, members of faith communities are encouraged to wear purple on that day in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and those hurt by DV. Participating organizations will also offer literature and other resources throughout the month of October. A community discussion will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at Affinity Community Services, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, 6pm-8pm, as a follow up to the October 25th message. In commemoration of October's Domestic Violence Awareness, Let's Talk and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Chicago Artists Month we present the empowering, engaging stage play and multi-media art exhibit, "Love Does Not Hurt...No More Violence-Speaking Healing and Love Into Existence." Love Does Not Hurt... is a synergetic, intergenerational and multimedia performance and exhibit that combines painting, drawing, collaging, photography, scrapbooking, poetry, movement and music into a stage production. This production unapologetically speaks out against violence against women, by speaking healing and love into existence. This will also be the chapbook release of FIRE's, The Storyteller: Accounts of Living, Processing, Surviving and Healing from Domestic Violence, edited by AquaMoon.  Age Appropriate for 16 and up. Premiering: Friday, October 30, 6pm reception, 7pm showtime    Saturday, October 31, 7pm Sunday, November 1, 4pm   Written and directed by AquaMoon Choreographed by Ni'Ja Whitson Art by AquaMoon Cast: Krishauna Anderson, Rebecca Cotter, Shanara Fornett, Carmen Jones, Tierra Winston, R. Kova Hayse, Boaz McGee, Michael Johnson, Chris Jones, Mike Smith and Kenton Williams   Dancers: Chantal' Hill, Ni'Ja Whitson, Devon, Jessica Newman Location: Links Hall 3435 N. Sheffield, 2nd Floor Chicago, IL 60657 Tickets can be purchased online for $20 at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/78290 Ticket proceeds go towards AquaMoon's girl and women-centered programming. Domestic violence information and continued dialogue is available online at AquaMoon's blog http://intheroundsistacipher.blogspot.com/