The “Week without Violence” organized by the YWCA in Greater Green Bay raises awareness of gender-based violence

GREEN BAY (NBC 26) – It’s a problem in the community that is often invisible. This week, Greater Green Bay’s YWCA is working to raise awareness of violence against women and young girls.

YWCA Week Without Violence is an annual global movement to combat gender-based violence. Each year, YWCAs across the country and around the world schedule a week in October to hold public education events.

It’s a problem that often goes unnoticed. One in four women in the US is a victim of domestic violence, according to the YWCA.

“YWCAs recognize that not all acts of violence are known,” said Amy Schäuble, director of YWCA Green Bay. “There can be women and girls here we don’t know about who either have domestic violence or other types of violence.”

Noelle Friel

State representative Kristina Shelton, who previously served as YWCA program director, held a discussion Monday to speak about how people can get involved in domestic violence prevention.

Throughout the week, Greater Green Bay’s YWCA will host a series of events aimed at empowering women, from panel discussions to a self-defense workshop.

State representative Kristina Shelton, who previously served as YWCA program director, held a discussion Monday to speak about how people can get involved in domestic violence prevention.

“Talk to friends and family neighbors about the topics that are important to you,” Shelton said. “So much of our work takes place in our homes and in our neighborhoods, and when we talk about it, the stigma of violence is somehow removed and it allows us to have some pretty honest and courageous conversations about what happened.”

Noelle Friel

The YWCA is currently holding a YW Children Art Exhibition where visitors can see artwork by childcare students showing what peace means to them.

Another important part of the week without violence is the education of the next generation. During the week, various community leaders will stop by to read to the YWCA childcare students.

“The idea is to say that violence doesn’t have to be part of your world. The books you will read are about peace, ”said Suzanne Wittman, director of the YWCA Women’s Empowerment Center.

In addition, the YWCA is also currently on display at a YW Children Art Exhibit, which allows visitors to see artwork by childcare students showing what peace means to them.

Through education and conversation, the YWCA hopes to break the silence on an issue that affects so many.

“This affects women and girls and also people from the BIPOC community, our indigenous women, people from the LGBTQ community.

“If you want to sign up for something, you can attend for free, you can try a course. We’re just trying to make you feel welcome and to let you know that there is a place for you here, especially if you are a woman, if you are a woman of color, “said Wittman.