Actresses oppose violence against women

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Movie stars Rosario Dawson and Kerry Washington said at a Beverly Hills, Calif., luncheon that violence against women worldwide should end.

Dawson, known for "Sin City" and "Rent," made reference to notable female victims of violence such as singer Rihanna and Jennifer Hudson during this week's V-Day luncheon, People.com reported Saturday.

Speaking about Rihanna, who allegedly was assaulted by her singer boyfriend Chris Brown last Sunday, and Hudson, who lost family members in a triple homicide last year, Dawson said "all these women are our sisters."

Washington also referred to the Rihanna assault case at Friday's ceremony, linking the incident to the need for attention to worldwide violence against women.

"I don't know the details of their situation, but I do know this is an issue that can't go ignored," said Washington, known for her roles in "Ray" and "Our Song."

People.com said the event, which was part of "The Vagina Monologues" playwright Eve Ensler's anti-violence movement, was also attended by actresses Jessica Alba and Charlize Theron.