Issue date: 2/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Vanessa Sanchez / Daily Lobo Rose Bryan performs during "The Vagina Monologues" at the UNM School of Law on Friday. Students put on the play to raise money for women in need.

UNM law students used the stage to raise money for women in need.

Over the weekend, the School of Law put on "The Vagina Monologues," a play about the joys, tragedies and everyday lives of women around the world.

Law student Esteli Cotto, who organized the performance, said she wants the play to become a tradition for the law school.

Ten percent of the play's proceeds went to V-Day, an international organization that campaigns to end violence against women.

The remaining 90 percent went to the Urban Indian Advocacy Program, a nonprofit organization that offers support to women who have been physically, sexually or emotionally abused.

Law student Carrie Martell said the program reaches out to women in desperate situations.

"There's a great need for UIAP because it's the only place in Albuquerque that is specifically geared towards Native Americans," she said. "A lot of native women go to shelters that aren't culturally sensitive and feel revictimized."

She said American Indian women face a higher rate of domestic violence than other ethnic groups.

Darlene Reid Jojola, executive director of UIAP, said the program does everything it can for the women who pass through its doors.

"Our program seeks to provide a safe place during the day, some food, clothing and respite," she said. "Our goal is to support self-empowerment, education, safety, victim advocacy and assistance in times of crisis, chaos and confusion."

She said about 250 American Indian women and children seek the program's assistance every month.

Martell said domestic violence is a tough topic, but it has to be discussed before it can be solved.

"A lot of times we don't talk about it, especially if it's within a family. It's uncomfortable to bring that up," Martell said. "But people need to know it happens. Bring it out, and talk about it. Try not to ignore it anymore, and start addressing the problem."

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