October marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those lost, and recommit to building safer communities.
— an announcement from the YWCA of Darien/Norwalk
As we embark on this month of reflection and action, YWCA Darien/Norwalk is proud to stand with YWCAs across the nation and around the world in launching this year’s Week Without Violence, taking place Oct. 20 to 25.
Through a week of empowering programs, this initiative calls on our community to raise awareness, center survivor voices, and work together toward a future free from gender-based violence.
“Domestic violence touches families in every community, including our own,” said Jennifer Buchholz, CEO of YWCA Darien/Norwalk. “Week Without Violence is about coming together as neighbors – to learn, to grow, and to stand side by side with survivors.
We invite our community to join us in building confidence and gaining practical tools while taking visible action to create a future where women, children, and families can live free from violence.”
Events During the Week
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Tuesday, Oct. 21 — Parent Awareness Workshop (Virtual): Healthy Relationships in Teen Dating and Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore. Presented in partnership with the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC), this free online workshop will equip parents and caregivers with tools to help teens and young adults navigate healthy relationships.
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Thursday, Oct. 23 — Self-Defense Safety Training: Join Gloria Marcott, Founder & CEO of Soul Punch who will run a real-world safety training taught by women, created specifically for women and girls to build an empowered and united community. Gloria is a nationally recognized women’s safety leader. A survivor of childhood abduction and a former law enforcement officer with nearly 20 years of service, she turned her personal story into a powerful global mission: to revolutionize how women protect themselves through smarter, science-backed self-defense. The Soul Punch goal is to equip #1MillionWomen to walk through the world stronger, more aware, and ready.
This two-hour class includes:
—Foundational awareness + boundary training
—Hands-on techniques to break common holds
—Integration of safety technology
—A trauma-informed, beginner-friendly environment
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Thursday, Oct. 25 — Illumination Night: Stand with victims and survivors by purchasing and placing Empowerment Lights outside your home or business at dusk. The YW uses proceeds for Empowerment Lights to make welcome baskets for those moving into safe housing through the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
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All Week — Social Media Campaign: Follow YWCA Darien/Norwalk on Instagram and Facebook for stories, resources, and education throughout the week.
YWCA Darien/Norwalk invites the entire community to be part of this movement. Your support of Week Without Violence not only funds a week of awareness-raising events but sustains year-round programs that empower women and girls, while providing tangible comfort to those moving into safe housing through the Domestic Violence Crisis Center.
Together, every light, every voice, and every action brings us closer to a world where women and families can live free from violence. Please consider making a personal or business donation through a sponsorship of Week Without Violence. Event details and registration can be found here.