YWCA Mohawk Valley Joins National YWCA USA Campaign
UTICA, N.Y. (Oct. 11, 2022) – YWCA Mohawk Valley (YWCA MV) will join YWCA USA and sister associations across the country in observing Week Without Violence, a signature campaign to raise awareness and engage action to end the broad spectrum of violence.
For more than 20 years, YWCA USA has set aside one week in October for Week Without Violence. The campaign challenges participants to consider what it would mean to live in a world without any form of gender-based violence. This year, Week Without Violence will be observed October 17 – 22 and focus on one central theme: Centering Survivors.
Each day during Week Without Violence has a unique event to support this theme. Tuesday, October 18 is Advocacy Day of Action, encouraging participants to call on their legislators and engage in discussions regarding gender-based violence prevention. Saturday, October 22 is #SelfCareSaturday, affirming that providers, advocates, activists, and survivors all deserve time and space to engage in healing self-care activities. To learn more about the activities planned for the rest of the week, visit ywcaweekwithoutviolence.org.
Locally, YWCA MV will support Week Without Violence by holding their annual Take Back the Night on Thursday, October 20. This event centers survivors and creates a comfortable, confidential space for them to share their stories and feel heard.
Take Back the Night will be held at the Utica Public Library beginning at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more at ywcamv.org/TBTN.
October 20 is also nationally recognized as Wear Purple Day for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. YWCA MV encourages anyone attending Take Back the Night to participate, but wearing purple is not required.
Join YWCA MV and associations across the country for Week Without Violence 2022 as we raise awareness, elevate survivor voices, talk with policymakers, and more with a common goal: centering survivors so that together, we can end gender-based violence.
YWCA MV’s efforts and initiatives during Domestic Violence Awareness Month are made presented by Bank of Utica and The Hartford, and empowered by Mohawk Valley Health System.
YWCA MV is available for anyone experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence via our free and confidential 24-hour hotline services. Visit ywcamv.org/Chat to reach an advocate directly through our private, secure server. In Oneida County, call or text 315.797.7740 for domestic and sexual violence crisis services. In Herkimer County, call 315.866.4120 for child advocacy and adult sexual violence crisis services. For more information about YWCA MV, click here.