What is the YWCA Week Without Violence?

Centering Connections for a Violence Free World

Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs across the country and around the world to end violence against women, girls, and gender diverse people. At YWCA, we know that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether. That’s why, for more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence.

Each year during the third week of October, Canadians and people around the world mark YWCA’s Week Without Violence, a week-long series of community events promoting diverse approaches to creating a violence-free world. People in schools, workplaces, and neighborhood organizations throughout Canada recognize this annual violence prevention initiative aimed at making violence a thing of the past.

The epidemic of gender-based violence in Canada can make us feel powerless in responding, thinking there is nothing we can do to make a difference, but gender-based violence is a problem that can be solved. One simple, powerful act: Listen to and believe survivors.

Ending violence starts with creating community and building connection. Small, everyday acts of caring can have rippling impacts and create real change. Acts of caring and connection help us keep each other safe. By centering our connections to our neighbours, friends, colleagues, loved ones and community, we can foster trust, build healthy relationships and mutual respect, and work to end violence.

What is the purpose of Week Without Violence?

1. To educate the public to understand violence takes many forms and can happen anywhere, including in the home, in schools, in relationships and in the community.
2. To empower people to advocate for a violence-free community and speak up when witnessing violence.
3. To bring awareness on how you can be an advocate for a violence-free world.
4. To bring awareness of, and connection to, resources available to support those experiencing violence.