October: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence affects one in four women in their lifetime and it strikes more than 145 times each hour in the United States. The YWCA USA is the largest provider of batter women's shelters and domestic violence services in the United States, serving more than 500,000 women and children annually. 

This month, we invite you to join us in ending domestic violence and all forms of violence against women. Contact your local YW to find out what’s happening in your community, and help spread the word. Empower yourself and your loved ones with the facts about domestic violence.

And learn more about what we're up to this month:

• Allstate Foundation's "Purple Purse" TweetUps
• YWCA Week without Violence™
• Putting an End to Bullying
• Rise Up Against Domestic Violence Music Compilation

Allstate Foundation’s Purple Purse TweetUps

This month, the YWCA USA and the Allstate Foundation have joined forces to break the silence and raise awareness about domestic violence by launching a new campaign designed to spur conversation and make it easier to talk about the issue. Based on long-term commitment to helping empower women economically to end domestic violence, the campaign encourages individuals to spread the story of the Purple Purse – the Foundation's new national symbol for domestic violence.

"As the largest provider of battered women’s shelters and domestic violence services in the nation, the YWCA has worked tirelessly to combat violence against women and girls," says Gloria Lau, CEO of the YWCA USA.

To spread the message about the power of the Purple Purse, The Allstate Foundation launched www.PurplePurse.com. The website appears to be an online shopping magazine, but after scrolling down the page, the user will find a variety of information and resources specific to the issue of domestic violence and financial empowerment. The website serves as a tool to raise awareness and provides a safe and informative place for women to educate themselves. PurplePurse.com also provides a place for women to start a discussion about domestic violence.

To kick off the campaign, The Allstate Foundation and YWCA, along with top bloggers, are organizing TweetUps at YWCAs in nine cities across the country, including Birmingham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, El Paso, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, and Tucson. These events are designed to explain the story behind the Purple Purse, share information about the issue and encourage individuals to help spread the word about the campaign. TweetUp attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from a domestic violence survivor at each event. As an additional incentive to inspire more people to get involved, The Allstate Foundation will donate $100 for each TweetUp attendee, up to $10,000 at each event, totaling a $90,000 contribution to the YWCA. Learn more...

YWCA Week without Violence

The YWCA USA and its nearly 300 local associations marks our 2011 Week Without Violence from October 16-22 with compelling educational events that focus public attention on the devastating impact of domestic violence on American women and their families.

Launched as a grassroots initiative when it began in 1995, the YWCA’s Week Without Violence is now a global campaign involving hundreds of communities and over 50 countries. Domestic violence will affect one of every four women during her lifetime, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

In addition, the YWCA’s Facebook page highlights community events at YWCAs around the country to commemorate YWCA Week Without Violence. These events include: vigils and walks to remember victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; ways to engage men in speaking up and stepping out to take a stand against violence; programs to educate and protect children; and awareness-building of human trafficking occurring today
across the nation. Learn more at http://www.ywcaweekwithoutviolence.org.