YWCA Northeast Kansas Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Week Without Violence

Each year in October, advocates, survivors, and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation, or socio-economic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. 

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 will join YWCAs across the country to call for a movement towards violence-free communities during the week of October 16th-20th. Week Without Violence 2023 is made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas. 

"High rates of violence are not private, individual problems; they require community solutions, which is why it’s so important that we come together educate, engage, and raise awareness on this critical issue,” said YWCA CEO Kathleen Marker.  

The week of free public events begins on Monday, October 16th at 9:30 AM at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library with an inaugural “Shear Haven” training geared towards beauty industry and salon professionals. This initiative, originally created by YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, equips salon professionals with the tools to recognize and respond to signs of domestic abuse. To register, visit: www.ywcaneks.org/wwov. 

On Tuesday, October 17th at 9 AM at the Sunflower Foundation Nonprofit Center, HR Professionals and business leaders are invited to “Domestic Violence in the Workplace,” a two-hour collaborative training in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.  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. To register, visit: www.ywcaneks.org/wwov. 

The week’s activities will culminate at the annual March & Rally at the Kansas State Capitol south steps on Friday, October 20th at 11:30 AM. This year, participants will enjoy performances from the Top City Step Team before hearing remarks from YWCA CEO Kathleen Marker, CSE Program Director Becca Spielman, and Gail Cheatham, Chairperson of the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas. Participants will 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 view the full week of Week Without Violence events, visit www.ywcaneks.org/wwov.