Community Solutions’ annual play will address violence against women, children

Bringing issues of violence against women and children to the forefront, a leading South County social services agency – Community Solutions – will open the curtains Nov. 2 on its seventh annual play entitled, “Historias de Mi Madre VII: El Puente.”
The bilingual play – which will discuss “socialization and the choices we make” – opens at 6:30 p.m. at the Gavilan College Theatre, located at 5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard in Gilroy.
“This year’s play focuses on personal accountability and choices,” said Perla Flores, Director of the Solutions to Violence Program at Community Solutions. “The prevalent culture of victim blaming and excusing abusive behavior has generated numerous myths around intimate partner abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking.”
Organizers have suggested a $10 donation at the door. Due to mature content, the play may not be appropriate for children, according to the Sept. 26 press release.
Proceeds from the play will support Community Solutions’ programs and services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
“The play’s focus is to illustrate how we each make choices based on the way we are socialized and our core values,” described Flores. “At the end of the day, there is no excuse for abuse or violence; it’s always a choice.”
Community Solutions, South County’s largest nonprofit human services agency for more than 40 years, offers a broad spectrum of services for mental health, substance abuse, family dysfunction, sexual assault, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence and youth development. They work in partnership with community-based organizations, law enforcement, local schools and County health and human service providers.
For more information, visit www.communitysolutions.org or call 408-842-7138.
For domestic violence/sexual assault services, call Community Solutions’ toll-free, 24-hour bilingual crisis line at 1-877-363-7238.