Week Without Violence Observed

Victims of domestic violence will be remembered at a candlelight vigil beginning at 6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15, in front of the YWCA of Glendale, 735 E. Lexington Ave., Glendale.

The event is open to the public and marks the beginning of the YWCA's annual Week Without Violence observance, presented this year in partnership with the City of Glendale's Commission on the Status of Women and featuring a variety of activities and events at locations throughout Glendale.

Local elected officials have been invited to attend the vigil, where a former victim of domestic violence will speak about her experience. Candles tied with purple ribbon, the symbol of domestic violence, will be provided to all participants.

Sunday's candlelight vigil will be preceded by a free self defense class for women of all ages.

Since 1979, the YWCA of Glendale's Domestic Violence Project has operated a 24-hour domestic violence hotline, a domestic violence shelter, a transitional living center and a women's services center to assist women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.

In 2005, the DVP provided services to more than 2,726 women and children, including outreach and crisis intervention, immediate and longer term housing, counseling, and help in meeting basic human needs, such as food, clothing and child care.

Nationwide, domestic violence is the single major cause of injury to American women.

Every year, there are more than three million reported incidents of domestic violence in the United States. More than 4,000 women are killed each year by their spouse or intimate partner.

Other Week Without Violence activities will include the following: Monday, Oct. 16 — presentation of informational programs on teen dating violence at local high schools; Tuesday, Oct. 17- — a community forum led by Sgt. Tim Feeley, Glendale Police Dept., on protecting children from Internet stalkers and predators, 6-8 p.m., YWCA of Glendale, 735 E. Lexington Ave., Glendale; Thursday, Oct. 19 — open microphone event, 6-8 p.m., IMIX book store, 5052 Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock; Friday, Oct. 20 — screening of the award winning film "Small Justice" followed by audience discussion led by Patricia Barry, J.D., 6 p.m., YWCA of Glendale, 735 E. Lexington Ave., Glendale; Saturday, Oct. 21 — exhibition basketball game beginning at 6 p.m., YMCA of Glendale, 140 N. Louise St., in Glendale.