JOIN US FOR A WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE
For more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence—a week when YWCAs join as part of a global movement with World YWCA to end violence against women and girls.
Join us during our annual Week Without Violence, October 16-20, as we do the work to raise awareness and advocate for the accessible, effective, and consistent resources that survivors of sexual and domestic violence need to build the flourishing futures they deserve.
Not on our screens
Each year, YWCA USA chooses a theme to centralize our messaging. This year, the theme “Not On Our Screens. Not On Our Streets” really speaks to the deep connection between online and offline hate speech and violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
We all have a right to be our truest selves, to explore and express ourselves safely and free from violence, whether in digital spaces or in our neighborhoods. This year, join us in creating a movement to end gender-based violence in every space where it occurs.
RESOURCES
ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
- Ask if your employer(s) have a domestic violence policy; if not, encourage them to create one
- Organize a moment of silence in honor of victims/survivors
- Share a domestic violence facts on social media
- Commit to adopt a local shelter for the holidays and send the families and individuals staying there clothing, toys, and gift cards
- Light the town purple! Replace the lightbulbs outside your home (or inside near a window) with purple lightbulbs; wear purple and encourage your family to do the same
- Collect your used cell phones and donate them to your local domestic violence shelter
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, October 16th
Imagine a World Without Violence
When we envision a world without violence, we begin to build a path to creating that world. Help us raise awareness about gender-based violence, support survivors, and envision a world without violence! Take a Week Without Violence campaign selfie (or group photo) using one of our customizable signs, tag us on social and use #WWV23, and then tag 5 friends and challenge them to do the same!
Tuesday, October 17th
Get Involved
Check out our partners who work every day to support and empower women who have survived sexual and domestic violence. You can find our partners’ logos and information towards the bottom of this page. Actively learn what resources are available in the Phoenix Valley and if you’re so inclined, make a donation to support these services or choose to volunteer your time if you find an opportunity that works for you!
Wednesday, October 18th
Intersection of Gun Violence & Domestic Violence
Wednesday, October 18th | 9:00AM AZ Time
Everytown is hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Month virtual event entitled “From Awareness to Action: Addressing Guns, Intimate Partner Homicide and Generational Trauma.” To uncover the deadly connection that exists in the intersections of guns, intimate partner homicide, and generational trauma and explore how it affects families and communities across the country.
The diverse panel of voices, including survivors, experts, and advocates, will illuminate the realities and lasting impacts of intimate partner homicide fueled by firearms.
– Jennifer Sharp (Survivor Fellow)
– Chloe Gayer (Gun violence survivor, SDA)
– Dr. Tannuja Rosario (Research, Everytown)
– Dr. Patricia Ann Davenport (Our House, Evertyown Grantee)
Thursday, October 19th
Wear Purple Day
The color purple is used throughout the month to signify domestic violence awareness and survivor support. Each year, Arizona State University holds Wear Purple Day to raise awareness for domestic violence. Join them this year as faculty, staff and students wear purple to band together against domestic violence and stand in solidarity with survivors.
Friday, October 20th
International Town Hall
How are YWCAs in North America and around the world responding to gender-based violence and tech-facilitated gender-based violence in communities, and how can we all work together to promote safety in all spaces where violence occurs? On October 20th at 3 p.m. ET (12pm AZ time), join YWCA Canada, YWCA USA, and our panel of experts and advocates for a robust conversation that will explore these questions, uplift the work YWCAs do every day in their communities, and more.
Self Defense & Empowerment Workshop
Friday, October 20th |6-8:00PM
KBX PHX Fitness Kickboxing1819 North Scottsdale Road Tempe, AZ 85281
Self defense and empowerment workshop in community partnership with Paint Phoenix Purple to raise awareness for domestic violence.
Learn realistic self defense techniques, along with strategies for developing crucial life skills.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Breast Cancer & Domestic Violence Awareness Walk & Celebration
Sunday, October 29th | 2-6PM (walk begins at 1:30pm)
Esteban Park 3345 E. Roeser Rd, Phoenix 85040
A Permanent Voice, in collaboration with Paint Phoenix Purple, present their first annual South Phoenix Cares Breast Cancer and domestic Violence Awareness Walk and Celebration.
Community members, colleagues, friends, family and neighbors will walk in support of survivors and remembering those we’ve lost.
RSVP
Our Partners
Cece’s Hope Center
Founded in 2017, Cece’s Hope Center is dedicated to the memory of a young woman who survived a traumatic childhood, successfully transitioned into adulthood, and found her happiness. Cece’s Hope Center exists to support young women like Cece who have endured or are at-risk of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Through three (3) different programs, Information and Referral, Case Management, and Transitional Housing, Cece’s Hope Center serves many young women during their journey from trauma to healing.
Maggie’s Place
Maggie’s Place is 501(c)3 organization committed to serving mothers – upholding dignity, providing support for those experiencing barriers to thriving. Maggie’s Place offers a caring support system and source of hope to women experiencing homelessness during the critical time of pregnancy and baby’s first year. Maggie’s Place provides a nurturing and stable home, nutritious food, infant supplies, access to medical care, and programs that are trauma informed, focused on building resiliency and strengthening families.
A New LEaf
Since 1971, A New Leaf has provided assistance to those most in need in our community, helping families, children, and adults overcome the challenges they face. A New Leaf offers 7 distinct pillars of service: Domestic violence, Housing and Shelter, family support, Health & Wellness, Foster Care, Education, and financial empowerment. Communities are made stronger when families are safe, have a secure home, are able to provide for themselves and their children, and are ultimately given a chance to make a brighter future for themselves. By offering these seven pillars of service, A New Leaf is helping households move from crisis to stability, making our community a better place to live.
Hope’s Crossing
Hope’s Crossing is a one-stop
resource for women in transition, back to a healthy and sustainable life. They offer transformational programs, restorative services and valuable community resources to restore hope in countless lives. Hope’s Crossing is committed to helping women overcome barriers that have prevented personal goals or successes through programs and services like fundamentals of freedom, anger management, grief & coping, family reunification, employment services, jobs and skills training, free clothing, and more.
AZ Coalition to end sexual and domestic violence
The Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence was formed in 1980 so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. The coalition amplifies awareness of sexual and domestic violence to reduce stigma, prevent violence, and champion healing and justice and supports organizations in building and sustaining trauma-informed responses and comprehensive services.
There are many ways to get involved at YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix
Your voice matters as we stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. Whether you have time, talents, or treasures to contribute, learn how you can plug in to the YWCA community.