Press Release: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month - Help Give Voice to Those Who Have Experienced Abuse in their Intimate Relationships

1in3 women in Utah will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. To give voice to victims who often are a silent minority, we invite community members to wear purple in support of domestic violence awareness on Fridays throughout October and share #YWCAgoesPurple.“Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects everyone, and causes damage to families and communities that can last for generations,” said Jamie Justice, Director of the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center at the YWCA. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage our community in conversations about this issue, and to show our support for those whose lives have been affected.”  PRESS RELEASESeptember 27, 2018Media Contact: Annie Studer astuder@ywcautah.org or 801-537-8610 October is Domestic Violence Awareness MonthHelp Give Voice to Those Who Have Experienced Abuse in their Intimate Relationships 1in3 women in Utah will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. To give voice to victims who often are a silent minority, we invite community members to wear purple in support of domestic violence awareness on Fridays throughout October and share #YWCAgoesPurple. “Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects everyone, and causes damage to families and communities that can last for generations” said Jamie Justice, Director of the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center at the YWCA. “Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage our community in conversations about this issue, and to show our support for those whose lives have been affected.” To raise awareness and help prevent abuse, YWCA Utah will host events throughout October during national Domestic Violence Awareness Month and during the annual YWCA Week Without Violence October 15-19. On October 26, the month will culminate with Over the Edge, where community members will rappel eighteen stories down the Hilton Salt Lake City Center to help raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault in our community and much-needed funds for life-saving services provided by the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center at the YWCA. There will be a media day for footage on October 25 (see schedule below).  Scheduled Events Monday, October 1, 10 AM – 11 AMPurple Flag PlantingSalt Lake City & County Building 450 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111(flags will be displayed along 400 S) Thousands of purple flags will be displayed at the Salt Lake City & County Building to represent the individual women, children, and men who were sheltered in Salt Lake County as a result of domestic violence last year. The two shelters in Salt Lake County, YWCA Utah and South Valley Services, served a combined 3,846 individuals. The public is invited to join YWCA staff and volunteers to plant flags raising awareness. Flags will be on display throughout the month. Thursday, October 19, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PMWomen of Color Conversation SeriesYWCA Utah Center for Families, 310 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 During Week Without Violence, YWCA Utah and partners will host a free panel discussion focused on gender-based violence. Thursday, October 25, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PMOver the Edge Media DayMaverik Base Camp 185 South State, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 In preparation for Over the Edge on October 26, YWCA has several spots for media to go “Over the Edge” and rappel 18 stories down the Hilton Salt Lake City Center. Cameras and GoPros are welcome, but places must be reserved in advance! Contact Annie at astuder@ywcautah.org to reserve a placement. Friday, October 26, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM#OverTheEdgeSaltLakeHilton Salt Lake City Center 255 S W Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 Up to 75 community members will rappel down to help others rise up by going “Over the Edge” --all 18 stories of the Hilton Salt Lake City Center. Rappellers are asked to raise $1,000 in much-needed funds for domestic violence and sexual assault services at the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center at the YWCA. With a collaborative model that helps men and women in abusive relationships or those who have been sexually assaulted, the Salt Lake Area Family Justice Center offers free, confidential, walk-in services. Over the Edge will feature rappellers throughout the day, a “Drop Zone” with food, and a public viewing area. ## About the YWCA YWCA Utah is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. YWCA Utah advances the well-being of women in Utah through safety, opportunity, and advocacy. Since 1906 the YWCA has designed its work to encourage women’s aspirations, protect and promote their rights, and meet their changing needs. The YWCA’s enduring belief has been that better lives for all women lead to stronger families, communities, and societies. For more information, visit ywcautah.org. ###