Elkhart Community Raises Awareness About Domestic Violence

The YMCA of North Central Indiana is working with community leaders, including Elkhart Mayor Rod Roberson, to raise awareness of domestic violence in the state and provide additional information on the YMCA’s shelters and services. The campaign launched last Tuesday, September 26, following a proclamation from Mayor Robeson that Elkhart would be partnering with local law enforcement and business owners throughout October, which is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 42.5% of women in Indiana and 27.9% of men experience physical violence by their partner.

“It is essential that survivors of abuse know that they are not alone and that there is help out there for them,” said the YWCA CEO, Susan Tybon. “That is why throughout October, you will see billboards, posters, and other materials encouraging those who need help to reach out to us at 1-866-YES YWCA.”

Last Tuesday, YWCA CEO Susan Tybon also presented at the RV Women’s Alliance Open House Breakfast, discussing the importance of the Safe Haven shelter and sharing how the RV industry can support these efforts.

As part of the campaign, the YMCA will provide informational posters to businesses and organizations throughout the month. The companies who receive these posters will then be able to post them for those in need. According to ABC57, the YMCA is asking employers to hang the posters, which have concealable safety cards, in restroom stalls across St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. The safety cards can be easily taken and concealed from abusers and include important information for those seeking safety. In addition, the YMCA offers workplace training on recognizing if employees need help because of abuse.

“Often times the only place our women and men are allowed to go is into the workplace so it’s very important employers know and recognize domestic violence when they see it,” explains Tybon.

Local companies and organizations are encouraged to contact the YMCA of North Central Indiana at ywca@ywcancin.org to ask for posters and sign up for workplace training. For more information, visit www.ywcancin.org.