It takes nine seconds.

In the United States., a woman is abused every nine seconds by someone who tells her he loves her. 1.3 million women are victims of domestic violence every year. That is 3,562 women every day. Worldwide, that averages out to approximately 70% of women who are abused by a partner throughout their lifetimes.

It takes nine seconds.

The sisters of Alpha Chi Omega are extremely passionate about our national philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness. In 2014, Alpha Chi Omega at Florida State University hosted the first annual collegiate rock climbing competition called “Seek the Heights with Alpha Chi," raising over $5,000. The event, hosted at Heritage Grove, brought together sororities, fraternities, and the FSU community in a competition to scale a rock wall for the quickest time. Winners received a signed National Championship football and a $150 donation to a non-profit organization of choice.

This year, AXO proudly invites you to the second annual Seek the Heights Rock Climbing Competition. The twenty-five foot rock wall in Heritage Grove will be set up for competition between teams of five climbers at a registration cost of $10 per climber. The top three teams with the fastest climbing times will receive a first, second, and third place prize – hint: they are even better than last year's. Tickets will also be sold for general admission including carnival games for $5 in advance and $7 at the event.

All proceeds raised will go toward the Alpha Chi Omega foundation supporting Domestic Violence Awareness, as well as the local women's Refuge House in Tallahassee. Refuge House is the safe home to countless survivors of physical and/or sexual violence. Its undisclosed location serves as a reminder to all of us that we can make a difference. Alpha Chi Omega is committed to speaking out, and to offering guidance to someone's sister, child, or parent. The biggest difference is letting those who have been hurt, know: you are not alone.

It takes nine seconds to register for AXO's Seek the Heights. It takes nine seconds to find your strength and climb to the top, then scale back down overlooking your IFC and Panhellenic brothers and sisters (perhaps with rivalry and a desire to win the first place prize burning in your eyes). It takes nine seconds to let one woman know that love shouldn't hurt. Make your way over to Heritage Grove this Saturday, March 28^th from 12-4 PM. Nothing feels better on a bright spring day than soaking up the sun and getting your workout for a good cause. And, hopefully walking away with bragging rights.