Every year, YWCA USA commemorates YWCA Week Without Violence, part of a global movement to end violence against women and girls with YWCAs across the country and around the world. This past year, YWCA St. Paul’s contribution to this week of awareness and education was the event Break the Silence of Domestic Violence.
In addition to a dramatic performance by Jamela Pettiford & T. Mychael Rambo, facilitators Sam Simmons and Artika Roller presented on how to recognize domestic violence behavior, tools for healthy relationships and communication, and how the community and men can support victims and survivors. Small group discussions allowed members of the community—including many participants from YWCA St. Paul programs—to discuss and share experiences and feelings on the topics.
In a post-event survey, 97 percent of attendees reported that they had a better understanding of ways to support the safety of their community, and 98 percent attested to a better understanding of the signs of domestic violence.Look for information on the 2019 Week Without Violence event this fall, and view part of Pettiford and Rambo’s performance on YWCA St. Paul’s YouTube channel, here.