YWCA Week Without Violence ~ October 14 - October 20

The YWCA Week Without Violence, the third week in October, is a signature initiative created by YWCA USA nearly 20 years ago to mobilize people in communities across the United States to take action against all forms of violence, wherever it occurs.

This year, YWCA Week Without Violence is October 14-20, 2013.  October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The YWCA has partnered with Allstate for a third year for the “Purple Purse” campaign to raise awareness about and funding for domestic violence.

According to the American Medical Association, more than 20 percent of women in the United States have experienced intimate-partner violence, stalking or both. A full 17 percent have reported rape or attempted rape. On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States (CDC).

We all know someone who has experienced violence – she might be a family member, a friend, a co-worker. All too often, they are us. What will it take to end violence?

Violence against women, in its many forms, has no demographic boundaries.  It is known to all age groups, all races, all religions and all socioeconomic backgrounds.  No community is immune.

That’s why YWCAs all around the country host local Week Without Violence events every October to raise awareness about and put an end to violence in all forms.