Group's message: Love shouldn't hurt

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Valentine's Day is known for being a day about expressing your love. But sometimes love can be expressed in an unhealthy way.

A group of students gathered Thursday on Elmwood Avenue at Bidwell to remind the public that love shouldn't hurt. The group was part of a large movement around the globe to end domestic violence called "One Billion Rising."

PHOTO GALLERY | See images from other One Billion Rising events across the world

Organizer Whittney Smith said, "Usually Valentine's Day is a day you think about being with the people that you love and sometimes love shows up in different ways that are not conventional and sometimes women confuse those signs of love."

In some cases, violence can be confused for love.

"Believe it or not some women believe if a man is showing them enough attention to get angry or upset to the point where he's volatile and hitting or hurting her she can feel like that's his way of showing he cares," Smith explained.

Some student at Thursday's gathering have been directly affected by domestic violence. One young woman says five years ago her life was much different. She was being beaten by her then boyfriend.

Many Ferrini said, "I was punched in the face and literally knocked out unconscious."

Ferrini says she was abused many times, but one time is too much for anyone. She says it was hard to initially reach out for help but she's glad she did.

"There is a lot of help out there and people don't know that because they're ashamed and they shouldn't be ashamed," Ferrini.

Demire Williams has also been affected by domestic violence.

"I watched my dad abuse my mom and I'm really terrified that one day it will be my little sister or a daughter that I have so it's very important that I do the best that I can to make this world a world that I want to live in," Williams said.

Ferrini wants other women to know: if you're in a bad situation, you can get out.

"Don't be silent," Ferrini urged. "Tell someone. Seek help. There's help out there; you don't have to be abused."