YWCA sponsors Week Without Violence

WATERLOO --- The YWCA of Black Hawk County will mark Week Without Violence this week.

The world's oldest and largest multicultural women's organization is sponsoring two free public events in partnership with Hawkeye Community College. "Enough!" is the week's theme.

"Violence affects women and girls of this country on an epic scale," said Lucinda Mohr, executive director of the YWCA of Black Hawk County. "It is time to put a stop to this epidemic."

On Tuesday, Nate Monson, executive director of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in Iowa Schools Task Force, will present "Safe Schools for All" from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at Hawkeye's Tama Hall, Room 107A.

Participants will learn about, discuss and experience the effects of bias and harassment of students and learn about the legal rights of these youth.

The Healing Waters Empowerment Project is offering a performance of "I Will Carry my Sister's Pain" on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Hawse Auditorium, also in Hawkeye's Tama Hall. Testimonies of domestic violence survivors will speak to their pain and victory through music, dance and storytelling.

"We're hoping it inspires those people who are in those situations to get out of it, and then to heal," said Cheryl Ritz, marketing and development director at the YWCA.

The week fits the YWCA's missions of eliminating racism and empowering women, Ritz added. Advocates want to spread the word about local resources like Seeds of Hope, which provides education and comprehensive services concerning domestic violence and sexual assault.

Mohr hopes to attract educators, parents and college students studying women's studies.

"As the YWCA, we have a huge responsibility to the community to make sure issues that affect women have the opportunity to be heard and looked at and possibly in some cases resolved," Mohr said.

According to the Iowa Attorney General's Crime Victim Assistance Division, more than 26,394 Iowans were victims of domestic and sexual abuse from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008.

Week Without Violence is an annual campaign observed by nearly 300 YWCA associations nationwide. The events highlight practical, sustainable alternatives to violence in homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

For more information, contact the YWCA at 234-7589 or e-mail ywca@ywcabhc.org.