YWCA declares a Week Without Violence to halt gender-based violence

Press release from YWCA:

For over twenty years, YWCA USA has declared a week in October as the Week Without Violence. Previously focused on domestic violence awareness and advocacy, the scope of the campaign has broadened this year to include all forms of gender-based violence, which covers intimate partner violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and harassment.

Gender-based violence impacts the lives of countless women and their families across the United States and right here in our own backyard. Victims include women and girls of all ages, income levels, racial and ethnic communities, sexual orientations and religious affiliations. It is also important to recognize that LGBTQ individuals, women and girls with disabilities, communities of color, veterans, and those with multiple marginalized identities are at heightened risk for violence, and often face greater barriers to safety, access to resources, and support.

Driven by the mission of the YWCA, to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all, YWCA Asheville advocates for issues that impact the women and families we serve and supports policy that creates a safe and equitable community that supports and uplifts us all.

Gender-Based Violence Legislation supported by YWCA Asheville:

• HR 2216: Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act: prohibits the sale and possession of firearms and ammunition for people with a charge of stalking or domestic violence against them
• SAFE Act: ensures that domestic violence survivors who need services like medical attention and legal assistance can take leave from work, allows survivors who have to leave their jobs to receive unemployment insurance, and protects survivors from firing because of harassment by an abuser.

We invite our Asheville community to join our Week Without Violence campaign on October 17 – 23.  Through events and communications efforts we will raise awareness, elevate survivors, share information, and advocate for legislation that protects women and girls.

Week Without Violence Events at YWCA Asheville:

•  A display of survivor’s art will be open to the public throughout the week in the YWCA lobby and Legacy Hallway.
• Helpmate’s Clothesline Project will be on display and open to the public Thursday, October 20 through Sunday, October 23 in the YWCA breezeway.
•  A postcard writing campaign to legislators, in support of HR 2216 and the SAFE Act, will take place in the lobby of the YWCA on October 18 from 8 am – 6 pm.
•  An event for MotherLove participants regarding healthy relationships will take place on October 20.