YWCA of Spokane

SPOKANE, WA - July 9, 2012:  A rally for the Violence Against Women Act is being hosted by the YWCA and Lutheran Community Services Monday June 9^th, 2012 at 5PM.  The event will be held on the north and south sides of the Monroe Street Bridge and community members are encouraged to participate.  

The YWCA and Lutheran Community Services are actively recruiting support for the event and encourage participants to make signs of their own or to use those provided.  By attending, Spokane community members pledge their support for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.  Trish McFarland, executive director of the YWCA comments, “domestic violence chooses all demographics and can become generational.  Raising awareness is the first step to stopping this cycle of abuse.”

Since it was signed into effect in 1994, the violence against women act has provided billions of federal dollars to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute those who perpetrate crimes against women.[1]  While controversy has recently arisen concerning the jurisdiction of this act, the legislation will continue to promote justice and eliminate domestic violence.  As one in four Spokane women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, this is a compelling issue for the community. 

The YWCA is the central resource for domestic violence in the Spokane area, helping about 7000 women and children every year through various services such as but not excluded to safe shelters, counseling, and legal advocacy.  Lutheran Community Services are dedicated to helping build healthy communities of all faiths and serve more than 100,000 people annually.  For further information contact Trish McFarland (509-789-9303 - trishm@ywcaspokane.org)

[1] http://www.kmtr.com/news/local/story/This-is-not-about-social-policy-its-about/6MtZK1l29k-s1fVJ42gYmw.cspx