PRESS RELEASE_________________________________________
For Immediate Release
Contact: Lauren Alexander, Communications & Development Manager
lauren.alexander@ywcacva.org | (p) 434-847-7751 x306 | www.ywcacva.org
YWCA of Central Virginia Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October
Central Virginia-based nonprofit brings awareness about intimate partner violence during the month of October to its local community.
[Lynchburg, Virginia, October 1, 2020] – YWCA of Central Virginia will honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a series of candlelight vigils, public community displays, and virtual educational events to be held during the month of October 2020, including a special city council proclamation by Mayor Mary Jane Dolan.
YWCA will begin Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a powerful display of life-size silhouettes of victim stories at the Lynchburg Community Market on Saturday, October 3rd. YWCA will also host two virtual trainings on October 14th focusing on Domestic Violence: Behind Closed Doors, at 5:30PM and October 28th at 12PM focusing on COVID, Chaos, and Child Abuse. These events will be led the highly knowledgeable staff and advocates of YWCA’s Domestic Violence Prevention Program (DVPP). The lunch and learns are free for the community, but registration is requested to receive the secure Zoom link. Registration is available on our website: www.ywcacva.org/get-involved/dvam
YWCA’s across the nation will hold events in observance of a “Week Without Violence” from October 18 – 24 focused on ending gender-based violence. Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs in the United States and around the world to end violence against women and girls. Information on the national week can be found at: https://ywcaweekwithoutviolence.org/. YWCA of Central Virginia in partnership with YWCA Richmond and YWCA South Hampton Roads will be hosting a free online training by Hollaback! entitled “Stand Up Against Street Harassment” in recognition of Week Without Violence on Friday, October 23rd from 12-1PM. Registration is required and can be done on YWCA’s website. www.ywcacva.org/get-involved/dvam
Candlelight Vigils include:
- October 2 – Nelson County Vigil held in partnership with Nelson County Victim Witness, Rockfish Baptist Association, and Nelson County Domestic Violence Task Force at the Nelson Heritage Center (1653 Thomas Nelson HWY, Arrington, VA 22922) – 5 30PM
- October 21 – Campbell County Vigil held in partnership with Campbell County Victim Witness and Campbell County Sheriff’s Office at Startek (3412 Waterlick Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502) – 5:30PM
- October 22 – Amherst County Vigil held in partnership with Amherst County Victim Witness and Mt. Olive Baptist Church at the Amherst County Courthouse (113 Taylor Street, Amherst, VA 24521) – 5:30PM
Several Lynchburg and surrounding area businesses, organizations, and communities of faith will have displays in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in partnership with YWCA of Central Virginia. To see a full list, visit our website: www.ywcacva.org/get-involved/dvam. We sincerely appreciate their dedication to making sure every home and relationship is a safe one. More events may be added throughout the month and updated information will be on the website and social media. YWCA invites media and public to engage with any of the events surrounding our observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
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ABOUT YWCA of Central Virginia, established in 1912, lives its mission to eliminate racism and empower women in Central Virginia. YWCA works to promote the health and safety of women and girls through its two flagship victim services programs: Domestic Violence Prevention Program (DVPP), the Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP). Further, YWCA of Central Virginia has worked to provide safe and secure housing for women since 1918 with a program that continues to this day with our third flagship program– Town Center Women’s Residential Housing Program. The organization has set the leadership example by being the premier agency in attaining a common community vision of peace, justice freedom, dignity and camaraderie for all people through the women, girls, and families they serve. For more information about YWCA of Central Virginia, please visit our website: www.ywcacva.org. YWCA of Central Virginia is a partner agency of United Way of Central Virginia.
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