One of my takeaways from watching the film Miss Representation is the documented link between violence in media and violence perpetrated upon living beings. Violence in media fuels and produces violence in our homes and communities. Despite a growing body of evidence of this preventable truth, those creating and consuming media—whether it’s movies, television, video games, or the Internet—generate and call for more and more violence.
As Women of the ELCA, we are committed to bringing about healing and wholeness in the church, the community and the world. (See our Purpose Statement.) One way for us to live up to that commitment is to mobilize our considerable power and clout to end violence. Do you know about the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence Campaign? Now in its 21st year, 
the campaign has been used as an organizing strategy by individuals and groups around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women.
As Christians we are called to be peacemakers, and our world desperately needs us to address violence against women. We cannot sit idly by. Download the Take Action Kit to learn how you can participate in the campaign. Become a fan of the 16 Days Campaign on Facebook. Plan an event. Talk with your family members about gender violence. Pray for the victims, pray for the perpetrators. Screen a film. Hold a vigil. Organize an art exhibit.
What will you do this day to work for the elimination of violence against women and girls?
Linda Post Bushkofsky is the executive director of Women of the ELCA.