The YWCA of Evansville today released its schedule of events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month which is observed each year during the month October. The United States Congress officially designated October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October 1987 after being unofficially observed for several years. In an effort to educate the community about domestic violence, several events will be held during the month of October. All events are open to the public.

This year’s lineup includes the “Chalk it Up to Awareness” campaign, a community‐wide campaign where schools, community groups and businesses who are interested in creating awareness about domestic violence in the community will use sidewalk chalk to write facts and statistics about domestic violence in areas that get a lot of foot traffic. By visualizing the epidemic through quotes, drawings and statistics, the YWCA hopes to create awareness about this critical issue. “Chalk it Up” events will take place across Evansville during the month of October. Volunteers, businesses and community groups who would like to become involved in the campaign should contact Erika Taylor at 422‐1191 or etaylor@ywcaevansville.org.

Other events lined up for the month of October include:

Candlelight Vigil, October 1, 2013, 6:30 p.m., Four Freedoms Monument, Downtown Evansville

Join us at the Four Freedoms Monument in Downtown Evansville to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence in our community. Representatives will raise awareness about domestic violence and educate attendees about local resources. A representative will proclaim it Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Clothesline Project, October 1‐31, 2013

The Clothesline Project bears witness to violence against women. Each shirt is designed by a survivor herself to represent her personal experience. The shirts are then hung on a clothesline at the YWCA to be viewed by others during the month of October as a testimony to the problem of violence against women.

Chalk it Up to Awareness, October 1‐31, 2013

Chalk it Up is a community‐wide campaign where community partners create awareness about domestic violence using sidewalk chalk to draw images, facts and statistics about domestic violence. If your school, group, or business is interested in participating, contact the YWCA at (812) 422‐1191.

YWCA presents: Working Together to Address Concerns Regarding Domestic Violence,
October 3, 2013, 8:30 a.m., FREE, YWCA Parlor
The YWCA presents a round table discussion highlighting the warning signs of domestic violence, why victims stay with the abuser, safety strategies and how to address concerns.

YWCA presents: Personally Speaking Series “Addressing Domestic Violence: A Changing Landscape,” October 11, 2013, Noon, $6, YWCA Parlor
Presented by the Honorable Peter C. Macdonald, Ret., District Judge, Third Judicial District,
Commonwealth of Kentucky

YWCA presents: “Hacienda Give Back for the YWCA” October 15, 2013, 11:00 a.m. ‐ 11:00 p.m., Hacienda First Avenue

The YWCA will earn 20% of the total guest checks of our supporters. Simply turn in the Give Back Tokens when you pay. You can find these tokens on our website (www.ywcaevansville.org), Facebook or at the YWCA.

YWCA presents: The Effects of Domestic Violence on Children, October 17, 2013, 11:30 a.m., FREE, YWCA Parlor

The YWCA presents educational programming aimed at increasing public awareness about the effects of domestic violence on children. Please preregister by contacting Cindy Allega at callega@ywcaevansville.org or (812) 422‐1191.

The YWCA opened Evansville’s first domestic violence shelter in 1979 which provides a 24‐hour crisis line as well as safe housing, transportation, clothing, and personal care items. The YWCA’s 24‐hour staff provides crisis counseling, information and referrals, goal planning, and self‐sufficiency counseling. A Legal Advocate provides assistance with legal issues and counseling to both on‐ and off‐site victims. Each child is assessed by the Children’s Advocate who provides counseling, and referrals. Other services include support groups, tutoring, parenting programs, and summer day camp.

The YWCA believes that given a supportive environment free from abuse, victims of domestic violence are capable of developing their own strengths and abilities to manage their lives and the lives of their children.

The YWCA encourages the community to seek out opportunities to learn more about domestic violence and how to prevent such incidences. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one individual to control or exert power over another individual in the context of an intimate relationship. This violence encompasses all forms: sexual assault, physical violence, verbal, mental, or emotional abuse. Domestic violence occurs in all socioeconomic classes, without regard to race, religion, or sexual orientation. This form of violence occurs every nine seconds in the United States. Over 2.5 million women are victims of domestic violence each year. One in three women is or will become a victim in their lifetime. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury of women between the ages of 15‐44.

The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The Evansville YWCA is a member of the YWCA of the U.S.A., the oldest and largest women’s membership movement in the country.

Over the years, YWCA programs have changed to meet the evolving needs of women and girls. In 1979, the YWCA opened the first domestic violence shelter in Evansville. Other current programs include a transition housing program for women in recovery, an emergency shelter for homeless women and children, the Live Y’ers after‐school and mentoring program for at‐risk girls in grades 3 through 12, and the Summer Fun day camp for school‐aged children. Special programs and events for the general public are also offered. Visit www.ywcaevansville.org for more information.

YWCA 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline • 866-367-9922