A rally to encourage people to take action to end violence against women and girls took place in Prince Albert Friday afternoon.
People gathered at the food court at the Gateway Mall to participate in the Rose Campaign put on by the YWCA to end violence against women and girls.
During the rally, Donna Lerat, a former prostitute, shared several stories of the violence she has experienced during her life. She said too many of us have been isolated and ignorant of the issue of violence against women.
“I realize today we all share similar emotions and feelings,” said Lerat. “We can’t ignore it anymore… I have seen many people drive by and ignore what was happening. I am not saying you need to jump in, but call somebody… call somebody who can help.”
Lerat encouraged women to take hope that change can happen and also invited men to step up and help the change happen. When asked what it meant to her to see so many young men at a rally like this she said she was proud.
“I’m seeing all these younger men take over and I am proud of them,” said Lerat. “And I would like to think because of our generations failures they will learn to not do what we did.”
Lerat is travelling across Canada to share her message of hope.