Week Without Violence
That's why for more than 20 years, YWCAs across the country have set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence.
This year, YWCA Northeast Kansas plans to center the week’s events on the theme, “Change the Conversation, Change the Culture”. Gender-based violence recognizes a spectrum of violence, including but not limited to, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and harassment. We invite you to join us from October 15th to October 21st as we share information, elevate stories, talk with policymakers, and work towards the goal of ending gender-based violence.
Events begin on October 15 with a “Dogs Against Domestic Violence” event at Linscott Park in Holton from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
On Wednesday, October 17 Stormont Vail Health will host a professional workshop on domestic violence in the workplace sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas entitled, “Understanding the Batterer’s Motive to Improve Victim Assistance”. This free workshop provides information that unlocks the mystery of domestic violence, and provides practical information that will change and enhance your response. Registration is required to attend this 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM training.
YWCA Northeast Kansas will also host their quarterly Network Lunch on Thursday, October 17 presented by Michelle McCormick, YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment Program Director. McCormick will give a talk entitled: “’Why Didn’t They Report?’ Understanding Delayed Reporting and Holding Space for Survivors”. Tickets are $12 and registration is required by Monday, October 15th. Lunch is provided.
On Thursday, professionals can participate in a “Domestic Violence in the Workplace” Training in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and Westar Energy from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This event is hosted by Westar Energy and registration is required. That afternoon, the public is invited to attend an Open Mic Poetry Read from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM in the Memorial Underground at Washburn University.
Week Without Violence will culminate in our annual march and rally against the use of violence in relationships, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies. The rally will begin on the south steps of the Capitol with performances by the Topeka High School step team and drumline, and speeches from Topeka Police Chief Bill Cochran and YWCA Northeast Kansas CEO Kathleen Marker and end with a march from the Capitol to the YWCA building (225 SW 12th Street). Thanks to the Shawnee County Sheriff’s office and the Topeka Police Department, grilled hotdogs and drinks will be provided.
The YWCA Northeast Kansas Center for Safety and Empowerment provides FREE and CONFIDENTIAL services to victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking in Shawnee, Jackson, and Wabaunsee Counties in Kansas. The Center for Safety and Empowerment works to create a voice for survivors, bring awareness to our community, and hopes that by being a leader in changing the conversation around gender-based violence, we can change the culture. For more information and to register for events, visit www.ywcaneks.org/wwov18.
