Week Without Violence (WWV)
We are #OnAMission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen communities. That’s why for more than 20 years, we have set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence. This initiative is part of a global movement to end violence against women and girls.
This year, from October 18-23, we are placing the focus on ending gender-based violence. According to YWCA USA, Gender-based violence is recognized as a spectrum of violence, including but not limited to, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, trafficking, and harassment. The 2021 theme is Beyond Resilience: From Thriving to Surviving.
Beyond Resilience: From Thriving to Surviving
When we envision a world without violence, we begin to build a path to creating that world. Help us raise awareness about gender-based violence, support survivors, and envision a world without violence! Take a Week Without Violence campaign selfie (or group photo) using one of our customizable signs, tag us on social and use the hashtag #WWV21, and then tag 5 friends and challenge them to do the same! Check out our useful Week Without Violence guide for more info and sample social media posts.
Capitol Hill Call-In Day
This Capitol Hill Call-In Day, we invite you to engage your Members of Congress by taking action online; calling your legislators; and engaging with these discussions on social media, using the hashtag #WWV21 and tweeting at your Member of Congress. YWCAs across the country are advocating for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Acts (VAWA), and we need your help!
Make the Local Focal: Engage with your state and local elected officials on this important issue. Ask questions about their position on policies that support survivors and help hold them accountable.
Join YWCA Interim CEO and COO, Elisha Rhodes and a very special guest, for an engaging Facebook Live on October 20, as they have an intimate conversation about violence against women and how we can collectively advocate for the support and resources that survivors and communities need to feel empowered as they move beyond just surviving to thriving.
Join us for a dynamic discussion that reimagines the role of resilience for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. By centering healing – including replenishment, rest, and recovery – and addressing the root causes of trauma and systemic violence, we can both disrupt the cycle of harm and open pathways for survivors to build thriving futures for themselves and their families.
Registration details coming soon!
More details coming soon!
Service providers, advocates, and activists in the fight to end gender-based violence all care deeply about these issues, and about the survivors they help each and every day. Unfortunately, this work can also cause vicarious trauma for individuals as they work with survivors who have undergone serious trauma or can retraumatize individuals who are survivors themselves.
Taking the time to engage in healing and self-care as a provider, advocate, activist, or survivor is an integral part of your own mental and physical well-being and will help make you an even more powerful advocate for your causes and clients.