About Week Without Violence

YWCA is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. For more than 20 years, we have set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence – a week to raise awareness and engage action to end the broad spectrum of violence – as part of a global movement with World YWCA to end violence against women and girls.

At YWCA, we know that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether. That’s why we focus on ending gender-based violence, including domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and harassment.

Highlights from our local associations

YWCA CENTRAL ALABAMA

Watch this video from Cleo Callahan, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Services at YWCA Central Alabama, as she details the advocacy and support YWCA Central Alabama provides in the Central Alabama community.

YWCA UTAH

Watch as YWCA Utah CEO Liz Owens details the work that YWCA Utah has been doing to support those in her state who have experienced violence, and the impact YWCA Utah is making for women, families, and generations to come.

YWCA CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

Watch our video spotlight in which Tara Huard, Director of Domestic Violence Services and Marienelly Vazquez, Director of Clinical Services and Community Outreach at YWCA Central Massachusetts describe the myriad trauma-informed services they provide

YWCA CLARK COUNTY

Watch this video from YWCA Clark County detailing how their prevention programming works to change attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that normalize violence in our society.