YWCA Week Without Violence
October 11 - 17, 2009

Recognized in 90 countries across the world, YWCA Week Without Violence™ encourages diverse groups to organize activities and events to end violence and build safer communities. Last year, more than 86,000 people in over 600 schools, workplaces and neighbourhood organizations throughout Canada participated in events, Conferences, town halls and arts programs aimed at making violence a thing of the past.

• An Ontario study found that women were assaulted, on average, 35 times before contacting the police.

• Empirical studies indicate that children who witness violence between their parents are at an increased risk of behavioural and developmental problems and are at a greater risk of becoming victims and perpetrators of violence themselves.

• One quarter of women who have experienced wife assault have never told anyone about the abuse.

Healthy Resources

10 Tips for Expressing Healthy Anger - Not sure how to handle the heat of the moment? Here are a few quick suggestions to help you express yourself without violence.

How Cool Are You?- Is your relationship healthy? Take our test and see how you rate on the relationship thermometer.

YWCA Week Without Violence - How are other cities across Canada participating in a Week Without Violence?

The YMCA-YWCA celebrates this nationwide program designed to bring people together to build solutions to violence in our communities. In partnership with the Kelowna Women's Shelter, this year the Y is excited to offer the following Week Without Violence™ programs.

Agents of Change

Young Voices Against Violence

A creative art/writing challenge for youth (8-18 yrs in a group or individually) to express what violence and its solutions look like through young minds.

Submission will be accepted at the Kelowna Family Y from Sept 21 - Oct 2, 2009. Submissions will be on display during the campaign and prizes awarded for the piece with the most impactful message in age/group categories on Oct 17th. For more information on how to get involved, contact Coreen at 250.765.5916, #205 or at chemingway@ymca-ywca.com.

Contest rules & regulations
Entry form

4th annual

Power of Being a Girl Conference

A one day conference focused on engaging and equipping young women with the tools to make social change and prevent violence at home, school and work.

Currently, the Power of Being a Girl Conference is only available for participation by referral in selected schools – rotating middle and high schools throughout District #23 to reach girls in all corners of our community. With continued success and support we hope to grow this program so all girls in Kelowna are able to experience the Power of Being a Girl!

For more information on the conference and to learn how you or your school may be involved, please contact Kelly at 250.764.5916, #305 or khoward@ymca-ywca.com.

YWCA Week Without Violence local initiatives are achieved in partnership between