What is Week Without Violence? Imagine a second…a minute…an hour…a WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE in our world! The YWCA Week Without Violence is an international campaign preventing violence and highlighting practical, sustainable alternatives to end it. Participate by visiting the YWCA all week — everyone is welcome to join us in our campaign to stop violence!
Held every third week in October, each day of the week includes a theme in the campaign to promote a week without violence.
“Breaking the Cycle of Male Violence”
Sixteen percent-the number of men who admit to having endured assault or abuse during their
childhood. Twenty seven percent-the number of women who, too, have suffered abuse. The
emotional and mental repercussions of such traumatic incidences are astonishing; but most
alarming are the tendencies to repeat the behavior. According to a study conducted by the
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, seventy six percent of serial rapists admit to
being sexually abused as children and are proven to act out violently against their peers, leading
to higher crime rates among adults. The most effective way of keeping our children, and our
children’s children, safe and free from abuse is to break the cycle of male violence today to
prevent detrimental results tomorrow.
“Confronting Violence Against Women”
Imagine a moment where no woman or girl experiences an act of violence. Where no wife endures marital rape or domestic violence, no daughter surrenders to physical abuse, no teenager receives verbal manipulation from her partner. Considering the fact that, every day, thousands of women and girls world-wide are forced to live in silent fear of being harmed, this moment would be a considerable feat. It is the goal of the YWCA to vitalize this vision of peace, by confronting the global epidemic that is “violence against women”. We strive to raise awareness of the cruelties committed against women and girls and encourage community members to join us in taking a stand. Join us as we attempt to diminish this social injustice, one moment at a time.
Confronting Violence Against Women is our main focus for the week. The purpose is to bring awareness to the public about the violence that goes unnoticed in the female community. It is designed to get people involved in surfacing these issues and pledging to make a difference. Community members will take a stand in eliminating violence in our world.
“Protecting Our Children” and “Making Our Schools Safer”
Currently, children are major victims of violence including physical abuse, mental abuse, and bullying. Many of these causes are due to the influence of violence in households and at school. It has been shown that violence also affects the health of children. That’s why this day advocates for the community to protect our children and make our schools safer.
“Eliminating Racism and Hate Crimes”
See pictures online from past years!
*All events are held at the YWCA at 2600 Bancroft Way in Berkeley*
EVENT SCHEDULE: Oct 18-21, 2011
Stop by all week long for free giveaways of Peace Pops, whistles, resources, art exhibits, Remembrance Boards, interactive displays and more!
TUES OCT 18: Breaking the Cycle of Male Violence
11am – 2pm- Make a pledge on the “Real Men Don’t Hit” Pledge Board
- Hall of Fame: Influential Men of Peace Exhibit
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Resources, Peace Pops, Whistles giveaways
WED 19 OCT: Confronting Violence Against Women
- Clothesline Project: Design a t-shirt expressing your feeling on domestic violence
- Bathroom Project Exhibit: Surveys on violence posted on bathroom walls around Berkeley will be displayed
- Purple (Domestic Violence) and Pink (Breast Cancer) Awareness ribbons, Peace Pops, Whistles giveaways
- FREE Spoken Word & Poetry Slam Performance
- Movie Screening
- Free Yogurtland gift cards and lunch cooler bags raffle
THURS OCT 20: Protecting Our Children / Making Our Schools Safer
- Food Workshop: Healthy Kids and Our Future held at The Centre program – presentation on food facts & nutrition and healthy food stations
- Peaceful Art Exhibit by local elementary school students
- Internet resources, Peace Pops and other giveaways
FRI 21 OCT: Eliminating Racism and Hate Crimes
11am-2pm- Interactive Poster Party: Take easy steps to help eliminate racism today with topics including Police Brutality, Campus Protest and Sex Trafficking
- Free Raffle every 20 minutes
- Free Movie: “Living Along the Fence Line” refreshments and snacks provided
- Super Raffle and Grand Prize Giveaways
**All Events held at the YWCA at 2600 Bancroft at Bowditch**
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