Thursday discussion is on domestic violence

LIHU‘E — One in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes.

Each year in October, advocates, survivors and supporters recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexual identity or orientation or socioeconomic status, can become a victim of domestic violence. YWCAs across the nation are holding events in observance of a “Week Without Violence” from Oct. 18 to 24, focusing this year on ending gender-based violence.

Week Without Violence is part of a global movement of YWCAs to end violence against women and girls. YWCA Kaua‘i is marking Week Without Violence by illuminating its Hardy Street Women’s Center in Lihu‘e in purple lights.

The community is invited to join YWCA USA for a discussion, Reimagining the Role of Resilience for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, on Thursday, Oct. 21 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Those interested can register at ywca.org.

Earlier this month, Mayor Derek Kawakami highlighted the impact of domestic violence in the community with a County of Kaua‘i Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2021 proclamation. Information on the national Week Without Violence can be found at ywcaweekwithoutviolence.org.

In addition to offering crisis-intervention services, counseling, support groups and assistance in the preparation of temporary restraining orders related to domestic violence, YWCA Kaua‘i operates the only family violence shelter on Kaua‘i.

In 2020, the organization provided 4,789 bed days at the shelter, 924 counseling hours to survivors of intimate partner violence, and assisted 128 clients with crisis intervention services.

Free and confidential help is available 24/7 for individuals experiencing domestic violence. Those seeking help may contact the YWCA Kaua‘i Hotline 24/7 at 808-245-6362 or chat with an advocate Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at ywcakauai.org/chat.