EVANSVILLE, Indiana – The YWCA Evansville opened its annual Week Without Violence campaign on Tuesday evening at The Parlor in downtown Evansville. The event marks the start of a month‑long effort to raise awareness of intimate partner violence, provide practical resources, and give local survivors a platform to share their experiences.
Why the campaign matters
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month serves as a reminder that intimate partner violence remains a pervasive problem in families across the United States. YWCA of Evansville CEO Anne McKim noted that public conversation often spikes only after a high‑profile incident, but the statistics tell a different story. “The numbers don’t lie – one in three women experience intimate partner violence in their lives,” McKim said. “We need to be talking about this all the time, not just when a tragic case makes headlines.”
Program highlights
Throughout the week, the YWCA will host a series of free workshops, resource‑sharing sessions, and survivor‑led panels. Attendees can expect:
- Information tables with local counseling services, legal aid, and shelter contacts.
- Live testimonies from Evansville residents who have survived intimate partner abuse.
- Interactive discussions led by victim‑advocates on safety planning and community support.
The organization also plans to distribute printed toolkits that outline steps for recognizing warning signs, accessing help, and supporting friends or family members who may be in danger.
Community response
Local faith leaders, business owners, and civic groups have pledged to amplify the campaign’s message. Pastor James Henderson of First Baptist Church said, “Protecting families is a core Christian value. We stand with the YWCA in urging our community to protect the unborn child and the sanctity of the family unit by ending violence.”
Mayor Lloyd Miller, while not a speaker at the kickoff, released a statement supporting the initiative, emphasizing that a safe home environment is essential for a thriving community. “Our city’s strength begins in the home,” Miller wrote. “We applaud the YWCA’s dedication to safeguarding families and will continue to work with partners to ensure resources are available to those in need.”
How to get involved
All Evansville residents are invited to attend the daily events, which are free and open to the public. The schedule, including times for each workshop, is posted on the YWCA’s website and social‑media channels. Volunteers are also needed to staff information tables and assist with outreach to schools and churches.
For more information, visit evansvilleywca.org/weekwithoutviolence or call the YWCA office at (812) 555‑1234.
Looking ahead
The Week Without Violence campaign concludes on October 31, but the YWCA says its work will continue year‑round. McKim emphasized that lasting change requires ongoing education, community partnership, and a steadfast commitment to protecting families from abuse.
Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.
