YWCA Evanston/North Shore strives to raise domestic violence awareness, inspire action this October

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS), this means a month-long, all-out effort that asks the community to raise awareness about domestic violence and encourage proactive steps to address this critical issue. The month of activities and messaging will culminate with a CommUNITY Resource Fair on October 26th, where over 20 local organizations will be in attendance.According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Every nine seconds in the US, a woman is assaulted or beaten. One in fifteen children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence. October is an opportunity to start the conversation about this important issue and to show those impacted, that they are not alone.“Domestic Violence can impact anyone—every gender, every race, every sexual orientation, and every socioeconomic status,” states Jennifer Allen, assistant director of YWCA E/NS’s domestic violence program. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to remember those who have been subjected to abuse at the hands of a loved one while reaffirming YWCA’s commitment to ending domestic violence though prevention-focused education, direct services to survivors, and working with those that cause harm to learn alternatives to violence. Events like our upcoming CommUNITY Resource Fair inform survivors of resources while also giving service providers an opportunity to connect, allowing for more thoughtful and intentional collaboration and referrals to support families in getting and staying safe.”YWCA E/NS’s programs and services support over 550 survivors and their children every year, and include: Mary Lou’s Place trauma-informed emergency shelter, Bridges longer term housing, a 24-hour crisis line, a legal advocacy program housed at the District Two Courthouse in Skokie, community counseling, children’s services, Alternatives to Violence learning and education program for those who have caused harm, violence prevention education, Promotores immigrant empowerment program, affordable housing referrals, financial education, workforce training, and employment assistance.In honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, here’s a list of public events this October where the public can learn more and get engaged:

YWCA will also host private events for survivors to uplift and celebrate survivors and their families. Community members interested in supporting YWCA’s domestic violence work can make a donation to their Every 9 Seconds Challenge to End Domestic Violence campaign to help ensure YWCA’s free and confidential services remain available for survivors and their children annually. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000, and every donation through October 31st will be matched dollar-for-dollar.To learn more, visit YWCA E/NS’s website. If you or anyone you know needs support please call this 24-hour toll-free hotline number, 877-718-1868. About YWCA Evanston/North ShoreYWCA Evanston/North Shore, established in 1931, is a nonprofit organization that works to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice and strengthen local communities. It serves more than 8,000 people annually in northern Cook County through its Domestic Violence, Equity Institute, Economic Advancement, and Flying Fish Aquatics programs. Learn more at www.ywca-ens.org.  # # #

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