Week Without Violence

Week Without Violence is the YWCA movement’s opportunity to come together and advocate for a safer world for women, girls, and families. This year’s theme, Safe Beginnings: Protecting Mothers, Nurturing Futures, is all about how we can support moms and their children as they build hopeful, healthier, futures.

Join us from October 20 - 24, as we share stories, amplify voices, honor residence, and inspire action.

Calling All Artists

Hope Harbor, Willow Rising, and YWCA are seeking artists of all skill levels to create and share artwork inspired by this year’s theme: “Safe Beginnings: Protecting Mothers, Nurturing Futures.”

Submitted pieces, along with a short artist bio, will be displayed at Arts & Drafts during National Week Without Violence (October 20–24). Artists may also choose to donate their work to be auctioned, with proceeds supporting our organizations and the survivors we serve.

By contributing, your art will not only showcase your talent—it will raise awareness, spark conversation, and help provide safety and hope for mothers and families impacted by domestic violence.

For more information or to submit your artwork and bio, contact An Tran-Catlin at atran@ywca-gi.org or register as an artist using the link below.

Arts & Drafts Group Painting Event

On Monday, October 20th, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm we will host a group painting with Arts & Drafts. This is a fundraising event benefitting Hope Harbor, YWCA, and Willow Rising. Join us for drinks, appetizers, the follow-along group painting, auction, and more.

  • 5:30pm: Cocktails and Appetizers

  • 6:00pm: Begin Group Painting

  • 6:15pm: Hope Harbor, Willow Rising, and YWCA Agency Presentations.

  • 6:30pm: Resume Group Painting

  • 7:00pm: Survivor Testimony

  • 7:15pm: Auction

  • 7:30pm: Enjoy your beautiful painting!

All are welcome to attend the cocktail hour and auction for free, but there is a ticket fee to participate in the group painting. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales and the funds raised from the auction will benefit Hope Harbor, Willow Rising, and YWCA. We hope you will join us to raise awareness against domestic violence.

Tickets for the group paint-along can be purchased below.

WEEK OF ACTION

  • Tackling racial and systematic disparities in maternal and infant outcomes, toxic stress, and ensuring every mother has access to respectful, quality care.

    Call to Action: Join us at our Arts & Draft group painting event. Experience the power of art, community, and healing while hearing the story of a mother who escaped domestic violence and rebuilt her life.

  • Uplifting the strength of pregnant survivors and advocating for safety, support, and trauma-informed care during one of life’s most vulnerable times.

    Call to Action: Show solidarity by donating diapers at Hope Harbor, Willow Rising, or YWCA. Your gift provides immediate relief to mothers and babies in need.

  • Highlight how access to safe, stable, and affordable housing is essential for mothers and families to thrive. Explores how domestic violence, eviction, and systemic inequities disrupt the ability to parent in peace — and calls for housing justice as a cornerstone of family well-being.

    Call to Action: Wear purple to stand with mothers. Let’s make visible our commitment to housing and safety for every family.

  • Examining the overwhelming barriers that keep mothers from leaving domestic violence situations — from financial dependence to fear of retaliation — and why support must be stronger.

    Call to Action: Pick up purple sand or chalk from YWCA to honor survivors. Mark your sidewalk with purple sand in the cracks or a purple ribbon in chalk as a bold sign of solidarity.

  • Focusing on the critical role of legal systems in protecting mothers and their children from domestic violence. While laws exist to safeguard survivors, many mothers — especially those who are Black, Brown, immigrant, low-income, or disabled — face overwhelming obstacles when seeking justice. From custody battles to restraining orders, the legal system can be both a lifeline and a labyrinth.

    Call to Action: Support access to justice by donating to Legal Aid. Your contribution helps mothers navigate the legal system and secure safety for their families.