October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for us to come together to raise awareness of this complex and pervasive issue, to elevate the visibility of community resources available to help, to engage policymakers to enact change, and to celebrate the strength and resiliency of the brave survivors in our lives and in our community. 

This month, we honor the bravery and resilience of survivors like Ani. At the start of the pandemic, Ani came to the YWCA with her two children, having fled a physically abusive marriage. She found safety and support at our emergency shelter where she began working with her case manager to rebuild her life. She began attending domestic violence support groups for Armenian speakers where she found community with other survivors who were also facing similar challenges. This community and the staff at YWCA supported her in her dream of improving her English and gaining new skills of independence - such as learning how to pay her bills online and establishing her own cell phone line. She enrolled in an English as a Second Language class at a local community college and after two semesters and a lot of hard work, she passed an English proficiency test. YWCA’s housing navigation staff was able to advocate for Ani and support her in securing transitional housing for her and her children, providing her with a security deposit and housewares for their new home, free from violence. She shared,

"When I thought I had no one, you were there for me. When I was scared and didn't know what to do, you sat with me and encouraged me. You made me believe I could begin again and I did."

Ani is one of many survivors who came to YWCA following an escalation in violence during COVID-19 - what is being referred to as a "shadow pandemic" of violence against women and children. We continue to respond to this shadow pandemic, where the demands for our services remain at a historic high. We invite you to support us as we continue to answer each call, open our doors to all seeking safety, and work side by side with survivors in their journey to long term safety and healing by making a donation today.
YWCA and the Glendale Commission of the Status of Women invite you to our 3rd Annual Purple Tie Awards, honoring men who are working to end domestic violence in our community. Join us as we recognize Glendale City Church's Pastor Todd Leonard, Glendale Police Department's Sergeant Aaron Zeigler, and Good Morning Armenians' Mher Baghdasaryan for their work in supporting survivors and building a culture committed to ending domestic violence. On October 7th at 6PM, we will gather on the steps of City Hall (613 E Broadway, Glendale) for the awards program, followed by the lighting of City Hall in purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will follow public health guidance to ensure our community's safe participation (masks and social distancing).
JOIN US IN RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND BUILDING A CULTURE OF SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS

Throughout the month, we will be posting educational information across our social media channels (@YWCAGP) to raise awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence, the intersecting issues and barriers faced by survivors, and the resources available to help. We invite you to share our content in English, Spanish and Armenian. As always, we are here if you or someone you know is in need of confidential support. Our 24/7 hotline is 888-999-7511.
YWCA'S 2021 WEEK WITHOUT VIOLENCE

Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs across the country and around the world to end violence against women and girls. At YWCA, we know that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether. That’s why, for more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence. Join us from October 18 – 23, as we hold events, share information and stories, advocate, and more with a common goal in mind: together, we can end gender-based violence.
JOIN US FOR THE WOMEN FOR RACIAL JUSTICE BREAKFAST
Join us as we raise awareness of the work being done in Pasadena to advance racial justice, while generating funds for our Girls' Empowerment programming in Pasadena - YWCA Glendale and Pasadena's largest violence prevention initiative: Girls’ Circle After School Program, TechGYRLS STEAM Education and 1:1 Tutoring and Mentorship Program, and Camp Rosie: Girls on the Rise Summer Camp.
735 East Lexington Drive
Glendale, CA 91206
Phone: 1-(818) 242-4155
Support YWCA Glendale and Pasadena's mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.