Ywca Kicks Off ‘Week Without Violence’

Sun., Oct. 15, 2000

YWCAs in 50 states and 40 countries will participate in the sixth annual YWCA Week Without Violence starting today.

The observance began in 1995 to raise awareness of violence and peaceful alternatives. It focuses attention on specific issues each day.

Today is a day of remembrance, a memorial to the hundreds of thousands of people victimized by crime each year.

Monday is dedicated to the theme of protecting our children. Eighty-nine percent of American children witness abuse at home and 79 percent of those children turn to violent behavior at some time in their lives.

Tuesday the focus is on making our schools safer. Eighty-three percent of the victims and 96 percent of the killers in homicides at school are male.

Wednesday, communities are urged to confront violence against women. Statistics show domestic violence is the No. 1 cause of emergency room visits by women.

Thursday the focus is on facing violence among men, especially young men. The highest rates of participation in serious violence is among 16- and 17-year-old males.

The theme Friday is eliminating racism and hate crime.

Saturday, the YWCA observance urges communities to explore ways of replacing violence with sports, recreation and fun activities.

The YWCA offers a number of programs that work in these specific areas and can offer detailed information, including the Alternatives to Domestic Violence program, women’s health resources and child and youth assistance programs. For information, call the YWCA at 326-1190.

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