The UW Peace and Conflict Studies Society recently hosted Peacestock!, a show in support of the Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (WRSA/DVTC).
Featuring several musical acts, a poetry reading, a silent auction, and a presentation by WRSA/DVTC, the event, held March 26, showcased a number of talented students out in support of a good cause.
The musical acts provided a steady source of entertainment throughout the show, with a number of performers playing original pieces. Highlights included covers of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’,” Frank Ocean’s “Forrest Gump,” and several protest songs, most notably one sung entirely in Hebrew — roughly translated as “Under the Sky.”
“I was more than happy to perform alongside Sarah Nairne at Peacestock,” said Kyle Shea, one of the performers.
“I had never heard of the event up until a couple weeks before playing it — as it has only been around for a year so far — but it seems to be catching on around campus.”
Another highlight of the event was the incredibly informative presentation from WRSA/DVTC, discussing the centre and the services they provide to the community at no cost.
The first half of the presentation was focused on sexual assault and discussed a number of aspects of the centre.
The centre is one of 35 in the province, sees men, women, and children, and ensures that the choices for treatment lie entirely with the patient — the patients can choose what is best for them in their specific case.
The second part of the presentation, discussing domestic violence, brought some shocking statistics into the open.
For example, there are 12-15 calls to the police regarding domestic violence every day in the KW region, and there are 25 detectives in the region whose only job is to investigate domestic violence calls.
“I was, and still am, surprised how prevalent sexual assault and domestic violence are in the Waterloo Region, so I had no hesitations preforming for the event,” Shea said.
All in all, Peacestock! was both an enjoyable and informative event. The collaboration of students, volunteers, and staff of the WRSA/DVTC did a great deal for a great cause.
The Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Centre, open 24/7, can be found online at www.keepingsafe.ca or by phone at 519-749-6994.
