Westwood Joins Anti-Violence V-Day Movement

Westwood will join a global stand fighting violence against women and girls this week with V-Day's 1 Billion Rising events.

Feb. 14 marks the 15th anniversary of V-Day, a self-described activist movement to end the violence and serve as a catalyst to promote creative events to increase awareness, raise money and revitalize the spirit of existing anti-violence organizations. Through V-Day, local volunteers and college students produce benefit performances, teach-ins, workshops, dances and other events in their own communities.

In Westwood, there will be a dance party from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at UCLA's Bruin Plaza. See all the details and register on the 1 Billion Rising website.

The Gym will also host "an empowering workout where you are totally unleashed," according to the 1 Billion Rising website. The exercise program will draw from a wide array of disciplines such as karate and boxing, and takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at 11567 Santa Monica Blvd. Register online here.