YWCA Hosts Week Without Violence Events October 18th through October 22nd

At YWCA Northeast Kansas, we know that not all violence is acknowledged, reported or responded to equally, and that some victim-survivors go unrecognized all together. That's why for more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence to mobilize survivors, partners, and allies to raise 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. YWCA Northeast Kansas joins YWCAs across the country to bring awareness to these issues during the week of October 18th - 22nd. Week Without Violence 2021 is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

“We believe that everyone can help raise awareness about domestic violence. This year, YWCA Northeast Kansas is heralding the bold message ‘From Reckoning to Resolution’ as we hold events and create spaces that 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 domestic violence to ensure our community is a safe and supportive space for survivors,” said YWCA Northeast Kansas CEO Kathleen Marker.

Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It cuts across all lines of gender, orientation, race, age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity. In 2020, Kansas victim services organizations served nearly 70,000 men, women, and children. This year, YWCA Week Without Violence will intentionally focus on sharing conversations and connecting and uniting individuals and organizations across the community in solidarity to elevate the stories of survivors, raise collective awareness, and end domestic violence by recognizing the power we all have to make a difference. In addition to the events listed below, the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment’s rural office has planned a number of events to educate and raise awareness in Hiawatha, Holton, and Alma.

The week of free public events begins on Monday, October 18th at 9:30 AM at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library – Marvin Auditorium for “Domestic Violence in the Workplace,” a two-hour collaborative training in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and Evergy. In this training, participants will build awareness of domestic violence and develop innovative tools needed to effectively address domestic violence in the workplace. Breakfast will be provided.

On Tuesday, October 19th at 1:30 PM, YWCA and the Washburn University English Department will host a Poetry Speak-Out in the Washburn University Union Underground. Pizza, snacks, and beverages will be provided.

On Wednesday, October 20th from 12:00-1:00 PM, join YWCA for “State of Reproductive Rights in Kansas,” a virtual panel discussion on gender equity and reproductive justice which will be livestreamed on social media.

On Thursday, October 21st from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM at the ordained and lay leaders from communities of faith are invited to a training on “Domestic Violence and Faith Communities” at the CRC CARE Center at Avondale East. In partnership with the Chi Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, this educational, day-long seminar seeks to educate clergy and faith leaders on the unique dynamics of domestic violence, share resources and information, and provide strategies on how to best approach and engage victims/survivors to guide them to a support system. Breakfast, snacks, and beverages will be included.

The energy of the week will culminate at the annual Rally at the Kansas State Capitol south steps on Friday, October 22nd at 11:30 AM. This year, participants will enjoy a performance from the Royal Valley High School drumline before hearing remarks from YWCA CEO Kathleen Marker, Sen. Dinah Sykes, and LaTonya Boyd with Mom’s Demand Action, who will share the impact of losing her daughter, Tyesha, to domestic violence. Becoming her daughter’s voice, LaTonya continues to advocate for survivors and for safer gun laws to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers. Participants will then march to YWCA Northeast Kansas for lunch, snacks, and beverages served by the Shawnee County Sherriff’s Office and the Topeka Police Department. Purple awareness ribbons and custom-made t-shirts and buttons sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas will be provided to participants (while supplies last).

To learn more and to register for Week Without Violence events, visit www.ywcaneks.org/wwov.

The YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, formerly the Battered Women Task Force, has provided vitally important services to victim-survivors of sexual and domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking for over 40 years. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, individual and group counseling, court advocacy, public education, and case management. The organization provides services to thousands of survivors each year, providing direct services to over 3,000 survivors, taking over 2,500 hotline calls and sheltering over 300 women, men and children annually. Find out more about how to get involved in our mission here: www.ywcaneks.org

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the 24-hour crisis line: 1-888-822-2983