YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley | Special Events
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: October 2021
What is DVAM?
For over 35 years, YWCA has been offering a wide range of services to victims of domestic violence, including: culturally specific services for immigrant, refugee and BIPOC communities; referrals to partner organizations and shelters; referrals to YWCA’s transitional housing programs; court- and community-based advocacy; crisis intervention; safety planning and danger assessment; and tangible assistance with housing and other essential basic needs.
Domestic violence does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of culture, race, age, income, education, religion, or sexual orientation. YWCA is committed to providing services to victims of domestic violence all year, but focuses advocacy efforts in the community during the month of October in recognition of the national Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign. This October, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley will launch their 8th annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign. All October long, YWCA will conduct educational trainings through Domestic Violence 101 sessions, painting the streets in purple ribbons and partnering with local businesses through percentage nights.
How can you get involved?
This October, educate yourself, your staff or organization by taking part in Domestic Violence 101 training led by a YWCA advocate. Trainings can be held in person or virtual and can range from 30 minutes to an hour. Interested in joining us? Please contact Gracie Herbert, Development Coordinator, at gherbert@ywcaknox.com
Another way to show support this Domestic Violence Awareness Month is by hosting a percentage night. Percentage nights are a great way to help us raise funds for our life-saving domestic violence services. YWCA is incredibly grateful for support from local partners, stay tuned for more information surrounding this year's percentage night partners! Please contact Gracie Herbert, Development Coordinator, at gherbert@ywcaknox.com
2020 Highlights: Thank you for your support!
We Believe You Pledge
Thank you to all our staff, board, friends and partners for joining us in the "We Believe You" pledge. Take a look at our video below!
DVAM committee member and survivor of domestic violence, Rhonda W. Clay, tells her story of her journey from victim to survivor. She share why advocates are necessary and why it's so important to reach out to those affected by domestic violence. Read her words here.
The Intersectionality Between Domestic Violence and Race: A Conversation
On Wednesday, October 21st, YWCA Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley sat down for a conversation with ZaKiya Bell-Rogers, YWCA Asheville Board Member, to discuss the intersectionality between Domestic Violence and Racial Justice. This discussion highlighted on the lesser-known, additional barriers victims and survivors of color might have.
ZaKiya is a mother of four children, wife and a survivor of childhood domestic violence. She currently serves on the Board of YWCA Asheville and is a Community Engagement Specialist for Helpmate Inc., the same agency that gave her shelter in 1995. ZaKiya has used her story as a guiding light to hope and not as a story of despair.
ZaKiya continues to use her voice by advocating, engaging the community and providing training for agencies that serve at risk populations. She has more than 17 years in the social work field and 5 years in direct services for Domestic Violence. ZaKiya’s greatest joy is that she can give back to those that are in need.
”An advocate is born, when a survivor finds their voice!”- ZaKiya Bell-Rogers
Thank You to our 2020 Sponsors
Thank you to our generous partners for supporting YWCA's Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
Media Sponsors
Printing Sponsor
