A silent, powerful cry against female physical and sexual abuse
Published:Saturday | April 12, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Launtia Cuff, Gleaner Writer
Many girls and women across the world endure the inhumane and even sometimes fatal effects of violence - whether physical or sexual.
Recently, this fact has been recognised, with governments, organisations, and various groups calling for an end to such treatment. 'College Access' has added its silent yet powerful cry against the abuse of women in any form.
College Access, which is a group of university students and graduates, was started in Mandeville, Manchester, in 2012.
Leader of the group, Tyrone Henry, said he decided to start the group for entry in the Heineken Inspired Film Competition and that the group has evolved since then.
"The group started in 2012 after a group of friends decided to enter the Heineken Inspired Film Competition in 2012. After winning the competition, we decided to take our craft seriously. Currently, the group has [as its most active] 10 members - graduates and present students of Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester."
Team member Kouri Clarke went on to tell Rural Xpress: "College Access is an entertainment group that entertains and educates through a variety of mediums such as short films, YouTube skits, social commentary, vblogs, social media, and Internet radio. The group also has a charity foundation through which we do several outreach activities to give back to society."
Motivated by news reports
The team leader said the College Access team was inspired to add its cry against domestic abuse as he said that there were too many news reports involving varying forms of domestic abuse and violence. Although the video lasts for only 30 seconds and has no spoken words, it speaks volumes.
"News reports of domestic abuse are becoming far too common and now our women are being murdered, [for] example, the Mountain View mother beheaded; [the] pregnant girl strangled to death. Incidents like these make it seem like the men in Jamaica are insane, so we used our medium to address the root of the problem, which we believe starts with abuse. So we are making it clear that the violence against women is wrong.
"The video is a 30-second PSA that depicts several scenarios of men abusing women, which is wrong, so the message is [aimed at] sensitising the society [about] treating women with respect love and care. Violence against women should be stopped," Henry added.
Another group member, Kade Hall, said that College Access had addressed other issues such as safe sex and the negativity of smoking, and there were plans to address illiteracy, abortion, unemployment, and unity in the society.
To view the video you may visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzoY6-_7JeU&feature=youtu.be.