| Erin Browner |
| Activists use a billboard to correct Mirkarimi's point of view on domestic violence |
The billboard says: "Domestic Violence is NEVER private matter," and is there to remind commuters passing by Harrison Street that there is help for victims of domestic violence.
More than 50 people attended the unveiling of the new billboard -- which cost $4,000, paid for by community donations -- some chanting "si se puede" ("yes we can"). Members of La Casa De Las Madres and others in the community published their photos on the billboard.
"Having your face up there helps to identify this as a human matter," said Katherine Berg of La Casa.
Activists are gladly using Mirkarimi's infamous quote when he claimed claims he physically abused his wife, Eliana Lopez, was a "private matter, a family matter" to make their case that "domestic violence is a community and health matter."
"One in four women experience domestic violence by partners or ex-partners," said Leni Marin, vice president of Futures Without Violence.
Last year, police received more than 100,000 calls statewide reporting incidents of domestic violence, according to Kathy Moore, associate director of California Partnership to End Domestic Violence.
La Casa is $1,100 away from funding a second billboard with the same message in Spanish.
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