Every year, 1,500 women in the United States are killed at the hands of a domestic partner. At 5 p.m. Monday (Nov. 17), members of West Virginia University’s chapter of MARV (Men Against Rape and Violence) will gather to launch their White Ribbon Campaign in an effort to break the cycle of violence.

MARV , along with other WVU student organizations, will be tying 1,500 white ribbons on the fence around Woodburn Circleeach one representing a victim of domestic violence who diedand asking others to think about the issue of ending crimes against women. Community members, WVU students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate.

Joseph Scotti, WVU professor of psychology, and MARV President Mark Miller will speak about the effects of domestic violence on women and how men can help end the abuse at 6 p.m. Monday at Woodburn Circle.

The campaign continues Tuesday with”Crimes Against Nature,”a special videotaped performance by Chris Kilmartin, a stand-up comedian and psychologist from Mary Washington College. This event begins at 7 p.m. in the Gluck Theatre in the Mountainlair. Members of MARV will lead a discussion afterwards.

Throughout the week, MARV will be handing out white ribbons in the Mountainlair. By wearing a ribbon, you will be pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about domestic violence.

*The history of MARV * Men Against Rape and Violence, or MARV , is a new student organization at WVU . This is a men’s group whose mission is to talk to other men about the serious issue of sexual assault.

“I think the point that MARV is trying to make is that this is not just a women’s issue, but a men’s issue, and men want to speak up about this,”said Deb Strouse, MARV adviser and sexual assault prevention educator at WVU .”It’s a few men who are making a lot of men look very bad, and it’s time for other men to speak up about it.”

For more information about the White Ribbon Campaign or if you are interested in becoming a member of MARV , call 304-293-1377.