Week Without Violence | Oct. 18–24

Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs across the country and around the world to end violence against women and girls. At YWCA, we know that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether.

That’s why, for more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence. Join us from October 18 – 24, as we hold events, share information and stories, advocate, and more with a common goal in mind: together, we can end gender-based violence.

In addition to the events below, YWCA St. Paul is holding a virtual conversation on domestic violence on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m. (Register here).

Join us for our national week of action Activities:

Sunday, October 18: Organize Your Butterflies – A Special Week Without Violence Series

Help us kick off Week Without Violence 2020 by tuning in to hear from partner organizations and experts working to support survivors and prevent gender-based violence. Download, listen, and share this special #WWV20 edition of Organize Your Butterflies. We will post a total of five podcasts during Week Without Violence 2020, so be sure to check back daily.

Monday, October 19: Ending Violence Against All Womxn

Join us in the virtual panel discussion in which we will engage leaders of partner organizations who are working to eliminate violence against ALL womxn and their communities by providing facts and stats, debunking myths, and providing resources to help survivors thrive. Register here.

Tuesday, October 20: Imagine a World Without Violence

Help us raise awareness about gender-based violence and support for survivors by taking a Week Without Violence campaign selfie using one of our fillable signs and/or making a donation! YWCA is the largest network of domestic and sexual violence service providers in the country and your support is crucial to our work.

Wednesday, October 21: Day of Action

Capitol Hill Call-In Day – This Capitol Hill Call-In Day, we invite you to engage your Members of Congress by taking action online; calling your legislators; and engaging with these discussions on social media, using the hashtag #WWV20 to tweet at your Member of Congress.

Making the Local Focal – Engage with your state and local elected officials on this important issue. Ask questions about their position on policies that support survivors and help hold them accountable.

Thursday, October 22: Virtual Capitol Hill Briefing – YWCA on the Frontlines: Virtual Site Visits of Local Domestic Violence Providers

Join us for virtual site visits to hear from local service providers helping survivors and their children thrive through programs supported by the Family Violence Prevention & Services Act (FVPSA), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and other federal programs. These YWCAs will provide a virtual tour of their facilities that are providing trauma-informed services that meet the housing, economic, justice, and other needs of survivors of violence and abuse.

Friday, October 23: #FreedomFriday Instagram Live

Join us for an engaging Instagram Live discussion from 2 to 3 p.m. ET, hosted by YWCA in which we will have an intimate conversation about violence against womxn and how you can offer your support in the quest for freedom from abuse. Follow YWCA USA on Instagram to view the conversation.

Saturday, October 24: #SelfcareSaturday

Take the time to engage in healing and self-care as a provider, advocate, activist, or survivor is an integral part of your own mental and physical well-being and will help make you an even more powerful advocate for your causes and clients.