From Reckoning to Resolution: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

CONTENT WARNING 

The following content includes information on domestic and dating violence, which may be triggering for some readers. Please take care of yourself as you read and engage in this information. For immediate assistance, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233). 

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

YWCA makes up the largest network of domestic and sexual violence service providers in the nation. For the last 43 years, YWCA Northeast Kansas has been on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. First observed in 1981 as a national “Day of Unity,” Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) is held each October as a way to intentionally connect and unite individuals and organizations across our community, state, and nation in solidarity to uplift the stories of survivors, raise collective awareness, and end domestic violence. Every day, advocates at the Center for Safety and Empowerment show up to answer the calls of individuals experiencing sexual and domestic violence to connect survivors with life-saving resources and hold space for hope and unconditional support. Nationwide, advocates at domestic violence hotlines answer over 20,000 calls per day, and intimate partner violence makes up 15 percent of reported crimes (source: https://ncadv.org/statistics). The work of advocacy programs everywhere is as important and crucial now as ever before, as advocates continue to work tirelessly through an incredibly difficult year, and as the pandemic continues to make situations far more complex and dangerous for survivors. Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It cuts across all lines of gender, orientation, race, age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. It is a prevalent issue that affects thousands of people in our community, and most likely, has impacted someone you know. Everyone can help raise awareness about domestic violence (and not just in October). We believe that united action is powerful, and we recognize the power that each of us has in making a difference. If you or someone you know has been impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking, advocates are available to provide free and confidential services 24/7 at 1.888.822.2983. 

ANNUAL YWCA WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE: OCTOBER 18-22

At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we know that not all violence is acknowledged, reported or responded to equally, and that some survivors go unrecognized all together. That's why for more than 20 years, we have set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence to mobilize survivors, partners, and allies as we raise our voices as a force for change. The Week Without Violence is part of a global movement to end intimate partner and gender-based violence in all forms. This year YWCA Northeast Kansas joins YWCA’s across the country to bring awareness to these issues during the week of October 18-22. Join YWCA Northeast Kansas and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas from October 18th to October 22nd as we move #FromReckoningToResolution by holding events and creating spaces that center and uplift the fearless movers, innovative shakers, passionate trailblazers, and bold inspirations in our community who are working tirelessly to organize voices, disrupt systems, and eliminate barriers around the issue of gender-based violence. There is something for everyone, including both in-person and virtual opportunities! For more information on all of the FREE events happening during Week Without Violence, visit www.ywcaneks.org/wwov or the "Events" tab on our Facebook page @ywcaneks. Together, we can eliminate gender-based violence and create a community that is safe and supportive for all.