Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Such legislation has passed every year since. The month aims to: mourn those who have died from domestic violence; celebrate those who have survived; and connect those who work to end domestic violence.
It evolved from the “Day of Unity” conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence held in October 1981. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at the local, state, and national level. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. Each year, the Day of Unity is celebrated the first Monday of DVAM.
YWCA Dayton operates the only domestic violence shelters in Montgomery and Preble counties. Our Battered Woman Project (what is now our DV shelter in Dayton) opened in 1977, as did our 24/7 crisis and domestic violence hotline, which still serve both counties today. We took ownership of the Preble County shelter in 2004. We provide shelter and support every day to more than 100 women and children seeking lives free from violence. In addition to a full slate of clinical and supportive shelter services, YW has advocated for the health and safety of women since its founding in 1870, with our first foray into ending gender-based violence happening in 1886, when we petitioned the Ohio General Assembly asking for “better legal protection for women against assault.”
Events & Activities
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Noon-2 p.m.
Downtown Eaton, Intersection of Barron & Somers Streets, Eaton, OH 45320
Join YWCA Dayton’s Preble County Office during Domestic Violence Awareness Month for an afternoon of family-friendly fun with fur-riends. Show off your pet for this seventh annual signature fundraiser benefiting Preble County’s only domestic violence shelter and 24/7 crisis hotline. Parker Hannifin Pet Showcase awards will be presented for: “Twinning” (pet and owner lookalikes), Most “Not Dog,” Best Trick, People’s Choice, and Best In Show.
Free to attend.
PET SHOWCASE ADMISSION
$10 per pet (includes bandana).
Follow the conversation online using #PurplePaws.
LEARN MORE
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023
Breakfast: 7:30 – 9 a.m.
Sinclair Community College, Building 12
444 W. Third St. Dayton OH 45402
Each October, YWCA Dayton recognizes the strength and resilience of domestic violence survivors at a special fundraising event to support YWCA Dayton’s domestic violence shelter and support services, including its 24-hour crisis hotline.
This free-to-attend event also features the recognition of our annual Marsha Froelich Survivor Award, which honors women who embody Froelich’s spirit of survivorship and resilience and give graciously to others. The late Marsha Froelich, a former development director at YWCA Dayton, was a fearless leader who advocated — at work and in her spare time — for the under-served, the women of the YW, and those within the community who did not have a voice. This award recognizes those whose words and actions serve to exemplify, inspire, set an example, and celebrate the spirit of a survivor who has overcome the odds and continued on an amazing journey, personally or professionally.
REGISTER NOW
Sunday, October 1, 2023
7:30-9:30 a.m.
RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton, OH 45402
Tour de Gem | The Wright Brothers 2023 Cycling Classic is a fundraising cycling event for local nonprofits to raise money and bring awareness to their important missions. This is a fun, family-friendly way for cyclists of all ages and abilities to have a positive impact in their community and explore the many GEMs the Dayton region has to offer. 100% of proceeds from this year’s Tour de Gem team will support our domestic violence shelter and services.
Again this year, both Live Ride and Virtual Ride options will be available.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Oct. 1-31, 2023
All month long, join us in painting the town purple to honor those we’ve lost and celebrate those who have survived domestic violence. Whether you’re swapping your porch light for a purple bulb, donning your most purple shirt for Paint Preble Purple, or helping us decorate downtown thoroughfares in Montgomery and Preble counties, it all helps to raise awareness and show survivors they are not alone. Each of our voices is powerful; together, our message is life-changing for the women and families we serve 24/7/365.
Join us: Volunteers@ywcadayton.org
Wednesday Oct. 12
City Barbeque
549 Miller Lane, Dayton
Support YWCA Dayton and the only domestic violence shelters in Montgomery and Preble County when you order Oct. 12 at City Barbeque on Miller Lane.
To participate, place orders at https://order.citybbq.com/menu/miller-lane and make sure to use fundraiser code FundA to ensure proceeds go to YWCA Dayton.
Remember:
• For an online order to count toward your fundraiser, folks must apply code FundA prior to checkout at order.citybbq.com or in the City BBQ app.
• If ordering in person, share our flyer or social media post with code FundA visible, either by pulling it up on their phone or presenting a printed copy.