YWCA Lower Cape Fear's Week Without Violence 2026

YWCA Lower Cape Fear invites our community to come together for Week Without Violence 2026, a week of remembrance, education, advocacy, safety, healing, and collective action. Through digital engagement, community conversations, educational programming, and wellness-centered experiences, we will create opportunities for individuals and families to learn, connect, reflect, and take action toward building safer communities.

This year’s programming will include:

• Celebration of Remembrance Digital Campaign
• Know Your Rights Digital Campaign
• YWCA USA Town Hall Virtual Event
• We Wear Purple Day
• Family Self-Defense Class
• Conversation for Peace film screening and panel discussion
• Finance Fridays Podcast
• Self-Care Saturday

Under the theme “Rising Together: Centering Young Voices to End Gender-Based Violence,” Week Without Violence encourages our community to recognize the many ways violence can affect individuals and families while uplifting education, prevention, healing, and empowerment.

Whether you participate online, attend an in-person program, wear purple in solidarity, or share resources with others, we invite you to rise together with YWCA Lower Cape Fear and help advance a future rooted in peace, safety, dignity, and freedom from violence.

Info: Join our digital remembrance campaign as we honor the lives, legacies, and strength of those who came before us. Community members will be invited to participate in “Honor Your Ancestors” by sharing and celebrating the people whose lives and stories continue to inspire them. Online programming details coming soon.

Info: Follow our digital campaign focused on physical, financial, and emotional safety. We’ll also share resources to help community members identify and connect with their state representatives and policymakers.

Info: This year's campaign is anchored by the documentary Watch You Rise, directed by Isabella Grace Cohn and produced by Marina Hunt and Elizabeth Woodward. The film explores the lasting impact of sexual violence across generations while highlighting resilience, healing, and collective responsibility.

As part of Week Without Violence, YWCA USA will host a national virtual Town Hall on October 20 featuring clips from the film and a live discussion with the filmmakers. This conversation will provide communities with an opportunity to explore critical issues surrounding safety, justice, healing, and the systemic changes needed to end gender-based violence.

Viewer discretion is advised, as the film includes sensitive discussions related to sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and recovery. Registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vJ0e2yf-S6i6iPq6svmYEA#/registrationyf-S6i6iPq6svmYEA#/registration

Info: Wear purple in solidarity with survivors and communities working to end gender-based violence. YWCA staff, board members, community partners, and supporters are encouraged to participate and share their support on social media.

Info: Join us for a family-focused self-defense class designed to promote safety, awareness, confidence, and practical skills led by Bugeisha Collective.

Info: Join us for a screening of Telling Amy's Story, a documentary that chronicles the events leading up to a domestic violence homicide and explores the lasting impact on family, friends, workplaces, and communities. Although Amy's story occurred in 2001, it continues to provide important lessons about recognizing warning signs, strengthening laws and policies, and building community awareness and support for survivors.
Following the screening, attendees will participate in a moderated panel discussion and Q&A featuring:
• Audrey Wierzbicki, Community Response Advocate, Domestic Violence Shelter & Services
• Rev. Jody Greenwood, Church of the Servant
• Master Deputy Diana Ruc, NHC Sherriff’s Office, Crime Awareness & Prevention Unit
• Kiara Brecht, UNCW Senior and YWCA Lower Cape Fear Intern

Info: Join us virtually for a discussion focused on financial safety, financial empowerment, and resources that help individuals and families strengthen their financial well-being.
Featured panelists include:
• Jhaniqua Palmer, CEO, YWCA Lower Cape Fear
• Mandy Houvouras, Direct Services/Outreach Director, Domestic Violence Shelter & Services
• LaVelle Hill Price, Community Advocate
• Lt. Charlie Thomas, NHC Sheriff's Office, Crime Awareness & Prevention Unit
• Rev. Amber Burgin-Brothers, Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church

Info: Join us for a morning dedicated to rest, reflection, and wellness. Registration is required.
Sponsored by: Glen Meade Women's Medical Center & Yoga Community
• 9:00 AM – Connection & Coffee
• 10:00 AM – Morning Yoga
• 11:00 AM – Grounding & Gratitude
• 12:00 PM – Sound Bath Experience

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YWCA Lower Cape Fear, 2815 College Road, Wilmington, United States

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