In celebration of its 50 years of service to the community, the YWCA, the domestic violence service provider is presenting for ONE SHOW only, a fundraising performance of “Love Letters,” the acclaimed play by A.R. Gurney. The engaging play is based on the lifelong, intimate correspondence of the two characters whose entire story unfolds through the written words exchanged in the form of letters.
Heart to heart & hand in hand.
For YWCA, our hearts go to the children who witness domestic violence, including recent cases where young children were in the home at the time of their mother’s homicide at the hands of their father.
Sonoma County’s growing toll of domestic violence
As we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our community reflects on the devastating news of a marked increase in domestic violence incidents and deaths of Sonoma County residents.
Sadly, Domestic Violence on the Rise in our County.
There has been a marked increase in domestic violence incidents and deaths of local Sonoma County residents for this calendar year. Sadly, thus far in 2025, there have been 6 incidents of domestic violence, which have included the loss of life of 15 individuals.
Taking the stigma from mental health needs.
YWCA Sonoma County is an important ally to survivors of trauma offering specialized short and long-term therapy services to help them gain an understanding of trauma and develop healthy strategies to cope with life stressors
Women and children first
North Bay BIZ Jan. 2025 article with YWCA CEO Madeleine Keegan O’Connell interview: ”Some (domestic violence victims) come from the best zip codes in Sonoma County. They’re just in a desperate situation and have nowhere to go.”
Feeling safe is universal.
“You saved my life.” - Client at Safe House who speaks Russian.
Breaking the Cycle of Abuse
She meets Kyle, an attractive neurosurgeon and they embark on a heartwarming, fairytale romance – that is until Kyle becomes physically and emotionally abusive.
YWCA is Vital. Singular. Needed.
“If it weren’t for these programs, I don’t know where I would be right now.” – Camila, a Safe House resident
CNN article: Supreme Court upholds gun control law to protect DV survivors
CNN article discussing the Supreme Court decision to keep guns out of the hands of domestic violence abusers.
NYT article: Tracking a Single Day at the National Domestic Violence Hotline
Insightful NYT article highlighting similar interactions that our own Hotline advocates encounter.
$450,000 raised for survivors of domestic abuse
Local Sonoma County Chefs, Duskie Estes, Liza Hinman, Domenica Catelli, Crista Luedtke and Sara Thompson with Senator McGuire. PHOTO BY WILL BUCQUOY.
Honoring Mothers
Since witnessing her mother’s abuse by her stepfather, (Lucia) had become withdrawn, non-verbal and had trouble sleeping.
Holiday Traditions
For families in the tender care of YWCA’s domestic violence, childcare and counseling programs, holidays are a challenging time.
Being Safe at Home
YWCA Sonoma County DV programs include a confidential Safe House shelter, a 24/7 Crisis Hotline and counseling support services including therapy for children.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month - DVAM 2023
epresenting Sonoma County’s singular and vital provider of domestic violence services, as I do, you become reflective. I think about our confidential Safe House shelter,…
Share the Warmth
Carmen is a mother of three children under 12 years old who fled her home where her husband brutalized her both physically and emotionally for many years.
The gift of slumber
Parents who make the important decision to move into our shelter for the safety and protection of themselves and their children also know the value of a good night’s sleep.
The Business of Crisis Assistance
Domestic Violence Awareness Month offers the community an opportunity to invest in YWCA in recognition of the investment we have made in our community for more than four decades.
How YWCA Supports Local Families - DVAM 2022
A recap of how YWCA has supported local families in need over the past year.