KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the YWCA of Kalamazoo is holding a “Week Without Violence” campaign in order to bring more awareness to the issue.
“We sign on because we think its important to raise awareness around how domestic violence impacts a lot of people in Kalamazoo county,” Director of Mission Impact for the YWCA Demetrias Wolverton said.
“There’s a lot of stigma associated with being a survivor of domestic violence, so a lot of people don’t come forward or don’t seek resources,” Wolverton said. “Our hope is to destigmatize that survivor status around intimate partner violence so people can get the proper services, so we can have some system change and begin to reduce that disparity. Domestic violence affects everyone.”
The YWCA will be holding many events this week, including a vigil in MLK park downtown for domestic violence victims today at 5:30 pm Tuesday. In case of rain, the event is tentatively planned to be moved to the YWCA. Refreshments and purple ribbons will be provided to those who attend.
“We do honor individuals in Kalamazoo county who have passed away due to domestic violence,” Wolverton said.
Thursday, the YWCA will host “Call Your Senator Day,” which will be used to encourage Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow to support domestic violence legislation.
More information about the YWCA’s events for domestic violence can be found online at www.ywcaweekwithoutviolence.org .
