A Week of Remembrance, Advocacy and Community Events Promoting Safety, Healing and an End to Gender-Based Violence 

(WILMINGTON, NC) - YWCA Lower Cape Fear will join YWCAs across the country in observing Week Without Violence October 18–24, 2026, bringing the community together for remembrance, safety education, advocacy and healing. Through digital campaigns, community conversations and wellness activities, the week will raise awareness of gender-based violence and connect participants with resources and support. 

WHO YWCA Lower Cape Fear, Domestic Violence Shelter & Services, Glen Meade Women’s Medical Center, Church of the Servant, Yoga Village, and Bugeisha Collective. 

WHAT A week of virtual and in-person programming focused on preventing violence, supporting survivors and strengthening community well-being. 

WHEN Sunday, October 18, 2024 – Saturday, October 24, 2026. 

WHERE 

• Sunday, October 18 | All Day - Digital Remembrance Campaign: Join YWCA Lower Cape Fear on Facebook to honor the lives, legacies and strength of those who came before us through “Día de los Muertos: Honra a tus ancestras. Vota por tu futuro. Follow our social media pages to like, share, and comment. 

• Monday, October 19 | All Day - Safety and Advocacy Digital Campaign: Explore physical, financial and emotional safety resources, along with information on connecting with state representatives and policymakers. Follow our social media pages to like, share, and comment. 

• Tuesday, October 20 | 3:00 PM - YWCA USA National Virtual Town Hall: Featuring clips from Watch You Rise and a live discussion with the filmmakers about safety, justice, healing and ending gender-based violence. Viewer discretion is advised. Registration is required at https://bit.ly/4rUBXUG. 

• Wednesday, October 21 | All Day - We Wear Purple: Wear purple in solidarity with survivors and communities working to end gender-based violence. Share a photo of yourself wearing purple on social media and tag YWCA Lower Cape Fear. 

• Wednesday, October 21 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Family Self-Defense Class: Bugeisha Collective will lead a family-focused class promoting safety, awareness, confidence and practical skills at YWCA Lower Cape Fear (2815 S College Rd, Wilmington NC 28412). Registration is preferred: https://bit.ly/3U7cKKe. 

• Thursday, October 22 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM - Conversations for Peace: Telling Amy’s Story: A documentary screening followed by a moderated panel discussion featuring Julie Potter, H.E.R. Path Director, YWCA Lower Cape Fear; Audrey Wierzbicki of Domestic Violence Shelter & Services; Rev. Jody Greenwood of Church of the Servant; and Kiara Brecht, UNCW senior and YWCA Lower Cape Fear intern at Church of the Servant (4925 Oriole Drive, Wilmington NC 28403), Food and beverage will be provided. Registration is preferred: https://bit.ly/3U7cKKe. 

• Friday, October 23 | 12:00 PM - Finance Friday: Financial Safety & Empowerment: A Facebook Live discussion on financial safety and recognizing signs of family abuse. 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; and Rev. Amber Burgin-Brothers, Chestnut Street Presbyterian Church. Link: https://bit.ly/4dyGeY1. 

• Saturday, October 24 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Self-Care Saturday: A morning of rest, reflection and wellness, including Connection & Coffee at 9:00 AM., Morning Yoga at 10:00 AM, Grounding & Gratitude at 11:00 AM, and a Sound Bath Experience at 12:00 PM, at YWCA Lower Cape Fear (2815 S College Rd, Wilmington NC 28412). Registration is required: https://bit.ly/3U7cKKe. 

### 

About YWCA Lower Cape Fear 

YWCA Lower Cape Fear is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Through programs in aquatics, childcare, economic empowerment, health and wellness, advocacy and community engagement, YWCA Lower Cape Fear works to strengthen individuals and families throughout the Lower Cape Fear region. To support our continued impact, visit our website at www.ywca-lowercapefear.org and/or donate here: https://bit.ly/4e4Pfbq.

Contact: 
Daisha Windham 
Marketing & Community Engagement Manager 
communications@ywca-lowercapefear.org