The Glendale Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) presents its 8th Annual DVAM (Domestic Violence Awareness Month). The CSW is partnering with local organizations to bring two significant anti-violence events to raise awareness and promote prevention efforts in the Glendale community.

Candlelight Vigil
The CSW and the YWCA of Glendale are partnering to present their annual Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, October 17, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. The event will be held in the Ballroom of the YWCA facility at 735 E. Lexington Drive in Glendale (free parking in the lot behind the YWCA on Geneva St.). The Candlelight Vigil is held in memory of victims of domestic violence—both survivors and those who have lost their lives. The Vigil also provides an opportunity for awareness, education, and outreach to the community. Speakers at the Vigil will include victims of domestic violence, clergy members from the community, and representatives from the YWCA, CSW, and Glendale Police Department.

Purple Ribbon Event
The CSW is partnering with various organizations in Glendale, like the Glendale YWCA, Massage Envy, Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Soroptimist International Glendale and Datev Outreach to raise awareness and educate the community about domestic violence. On Sunday, October 20 CSW and volunteers from various organizations will be present at the Montrose Harvest Market and in front of Massage Envy on Brand Blvd. from 9:00am – 2:00 pm and at the Glendale Galleria from 12:00 – 4:00 pm to pass out purple ribbons, literature (brochures, flyers, etc.) from various organizations that provide services to women and their families, and Women & Families Resource Guides created by the CSW with contact information for agencies providing services to women in our community.

DVAM evolved from the “Day of Unity” in October 1981, conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 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 levels. In October 1987, the first DVAM was observed. That same year marks the initiation of the first national domestic violence toll-free hotline. The Glendale YWCA sponsors a 24-hour hotline at (818) 242-1106.

For more information on the Commission on the Status of Women, please click here.