Week Without Violence focuses on highlighting survivors' support services
Learn where to go for help when you hurt
12:06 p.m. Tuesday, October 16, 2007
In an average week in the United States 11,000 women are abused. In Topeka, at least 30 survivors of domestic or sexual violence seek counseling from the YWCA's Battered Women Task Force. This week the YWCA is hosting a Week Without Violence to raise awareness of the issue and the services offered locally.
Week Without Violence Events
Tuesday, October 16: Chalk at the Capitol from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Kansas Capitol Building, south side. Families are invited to enjoy free hot dogs, games, face-painting and family fun while chalking on the Capitol grounds.
Wednesday, October 17: YWCA Week Without Violence March and Rally from noon-1, meet at Bracken Park and march to Heritage Hall. Come earlier if you would like to make your own sign (materials provided). We will march down Topeka Blvd. to the Heritage Hall where we will enjoy a free hot dog lunch (vegetarian options will be available), speakers and performances from the Topeka High School Drumline and Washburn Rural Diversity Freestyle Dancers.
Thursday, October 18: Talking to Teens about Dating Violence: a workshop for parents and youth workers from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Learn how to recognize warning signs of unhealthy relationships, how to talk about violence with teens and about community resources.
Saturday, October 20: Voices Against Violence Concert from 7 p.m.-12 a.m. at Jul's Cocktail Club. Hear local bands including the Jen Say Kwahs, Saucy Jack and That Damn Sasquatch united to end violence. Cover will be $5 and dress code will be enforced.
"There is somebody out there to listen to them and give them support," said Battered Women Task Force Director Eileen Doran.
The 30 or so women who come into the shelter are looking for protection from abuse orders, need shelter services, receive counseling are in need of court advocacy or just need general support, she said.
"We also field many, many more phone calls than that from folks who aren't ready to take the next step to come into our office, but just want to find out what it is we can do to help."
Over the years, the number of clients the Battered Women Task Force has increased; it goes up every year, she said. She said that didn't mean necessarily that more domestic violence was occurring, it just meant more people were coming forward and seeking services.
A large part of the Week Without Violence is to raise awareness of the services of the YWCA and other agencies for people in domestic violence situations and for families.
"If nothing else in the course of this week, we know that more and more survivors are finding out about the services that are available to victims of domestic violence," she said.
The week is held in conjunction with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is this month.
On Thursday, the YWCA will host a workshop for parents and youth to help young people recognize the warning signs of unhealthy relationships. Dating violence among teens has steadily grown, Doran said.
"Our youth are really at risk to get into unhealthy dating relationships," she said. "And, we also know the best time for prevention is early."
She encourages parents to talk to their children about teen dating violence and to attend the event.
All the week's events are listed on the left side of this story.
YWCA Battered Women Task Force
The YWCA's Battered Women Task Force YWCA at 225 SW 12th Street in Topeka.
In an emergency, dial 911
BWTF Office Hours: 785-354–7927
BWTF Evening & Weekend: 785-234–3300
BWTF Toll Free: 1-888-822–2983
Kansas State Hotline: 1-888-END ABUSE
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