Great Falls YWCA hosts walk to raise awareness about domestic violence

YWCA Great Falls employees hosted an anti-domestic violence walk at Gibson Park on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

“We host a number of events throughout the year, especially in October because it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” said Tammy Watson, victims advocate at the YWCA’s Mercy Shelter.

The walk took participants 1.5 miles around the perimeter of Gibson Park.

Many participants wore purple and held up signs with statistics on domestic violence in the US

YWCA Great Falls is hosting a walk to raise awareness about domestic violence

“One in four women and one in nine men will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime,” said Victoria Doe, Chief Operations Officer at the YWCA.

In the past three months, the YWCA has served 38 women and 23 children.

They offer services such as counseling, support groups and their Mercy Shelter, a 60-day program that provides a comprehensive support system for women and their children escaping abusive relationships.

TRENDING

The YWCA can also help provide information on bystander interventions, training, and red flags to look for to help recognize signs of possible domestic violence.

As they take every turn along the Gibson Park sidewalk, these individuals carry with them the powerful and combative spirit of women who feel silenced today.

Maybe one day, in the near future, they can join them.

“We want to keep the momentum going and will continue to do this every year to raise awareness and try to spread some education,” Doe said.

Click here to visit the website.