Dozens Rally In Philadelphia To End Violence Against Women
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - In the wake of several deadly purse snatchings in Philadelphia, dozens rallied Saturday to call for an end to violence against women.
The "Handbags 4 Peace" rally took place at 53rd and Market Streets, the same spot where Melissa Thomas was shot and killed during a purse snatching last week (see related story).
Another woman, Amber Long, was shot and killed last month (see related story) as two men robbed her and her mother of their purses in Northern Liberties.
"You can do something more," Amber's mother, Stephanie, said during the rally. "We can go after the roots of this thing. We can reach out to the children on the streets. It doesn't matter if they're yours -- how they grow up affects all of us."
Women from GirlTini and the Pink Soldiers Foundation organized the rally. They urged women to carry pepper spray and also to be aware of their surroundings.