November 25 2015
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Sexual violence against women continues to be a prevalent social issue in Canada. While the majority of incidents of sexual violence go unreported we do know nine out of ten of sexual assaults reported to the police are by women and in almost all cases the perpetrators are male.
Local artists Claire Mortifee, Young Nige and DJ K-Rec teamed up to create Compassion in a Kiss to generate awareness about sexual violence against girls and women and to get men involved in preventing sexual violence. The music video, directed by filmmaker Jem Garrard, will be released in collaboration with Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) on, November 25, 2015 –International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
“Compassion in a Kiss is a project that is very dear to my heart.” Said singer Claire Mortifee, “As both a survivor of and witness to sexual violence, I am deeply grateful for the incredible work BWSS does to make the world a safer, more beautiful, and more just place for everyone. Together, we can co-create real change!”
Engaging men is primary to prevention –everyone has a responsibility for ending sexual violence. Compassion in a Kiss amplifies the voices of women and speaks to sexual violence and urges men to take a proactive role in sexual violence prevention.
Click the image above to watch Young Nige and Claire Mortifee share more about Compassion in a Kiss
“Compassion in a Kiss was a unique opportunity to align my feminism with my craft as an MC.” Said – Young Nige “Initially, I was concerned about addressing these issues as a man; however, I’ve since come to recognize that men’s voices are needed to challenge normalized misogyny and the consequent epidemic of rape and sexual violence. Of the work I’ve done, this song is among the pieces I’m most proud of.”
Battered Women’s Support Services is thrilled to be a part of this partnership, amplifying the voices of women, raising awareness about the role of men ending sexual violence and creating social change.
Claire Mortifee and Young Nige will perform Compassion in a Kiss with DJ K-Rec live at Breaking the Silos at Terminal City Club in Vancouver, Coast Salish Territories.
