TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)--Licia Berry was a victim of domestic violence more than 20 years ago, but now she's dancing, and taking a stand bring awareness against violence of women.
"In the beginning it was hard and I was clawing my way wanting to get better and now I'm in a place where I'm just healed and an empowered server."
Berry coordinated Tallahassee's first ever "One Billion Rising" event. The campaign is a global movement to bring awareness and put a stop to violence against women.
"We must demand that those who are aggressive against women stop, it has to stop," said Berry.
Berry says 1 in 3 women are victims of violence.
The students from the Pace Center for Girls attended the event. The center provides education, counseling and more to girls that have often been victims of violence.
The executive director for the center, Kelly Ottie says the event was much needed.
"What they really need to see is how you survive that and what they really need to know that there's a chapter ahead of them that is joyful," said Ottie.
"I think its a good thing to be around people who have experienced it and let them know that, yes its okay and that we can stand up for each other," said Adonya Harris, student from Pace Center for Girls.
Its a lesson that Berry hopes they'll all remember.
"When they make the decision to improve their lives and heal themselves they take that power that they can have that happily ever after ending that they're all hoping for," said Harris.
