SPOKANE, Wash. — The YWCA held a vigil at Riverfront Park on Tuesday to mark the start of October and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The organization calls this year’s effort “Domestic Violence Action Month” to get the community involved in making Spokane safer.
The YWCA wants the community to become better resources for people escaping domestic violence.
At the vigil, the YWCA and partner organizations taught people about local resources, where to direct someone experiencing domestic violence, and how to talk to friends or family who may be in abusive situations.
“Domestic violence is a huge issue in our community. More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 10 men are estimated to experience it,” said Jemma Reidel-Johnson, YWCA engagement lead. “This is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and say that we want to create a world without violence. That we are here to support survivors to believe them.”
The YWCA wants local governments to properly fund domestic violence support work.
Last month, the YWCA cut its legal team that helps survivors get protection orders after federal funding was reduced.
The YWCA offers free training on recognizing domestic violence and supporting victims. The training is available year-round.
You can find out more about YWCA and its mission by clicking here.
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