October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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50 YEARS OF ANSWERING THE CALL. BECAUSE 1 IN 4 FAMILIES IS STILL TOO MANY.

boy child hugging sister as domestic violence ioccurs in silhouetted background

Dear Friends,

In 2026, YWCA renews our 50-year promise to Sonoma County: our community will never face domestic violence alone.

Before 1976, domestic victims had nowhere safe to go. But because compassionate neighbors like you recognized the need; we built one of California’s very first emergency shelters.

Today, we look back on five decades of survival, resilience, and transformation.

  • The County’s Only 24/7 Crisis Hotline:
    A continuous lifestream answering calls day and night for fifty unbroken years.

  • The Only Confidential Safe House Shelter:
    A dedicated, state-designated sanctuary for families fleeing immediate danger.

  • Dual-Language Trauma Counseling:
    Specialized, bilingual clinical therapy to help children, adolescents, and adults heal from severe trauma.

domestic violence stats; 5636 bed nights; 2665 hours of counseling; 1 confidential safe house shelter

As we mark our 50th anniversary, the reality remains dire: 1 in 4 local families will experience domestic violence. Abuse does not discriminate. It affects successful professionals, young parents, and vulnerable children across every neighborhood in our county.

When a mother gathers her children in the middle of the night with nothing but the clothes on their backs, she isn’t thinking about statistics. She is looking for a lifeline. Your support ensures that when she dials our Crisis Hotline (707-546-1234), an advocate will answer.

"YWCA gave me hope and a place to go, when I thought we were all alone.” - Alma, mom of two and safe house resident

>>>

"YWCA gave me hope and a place to go, when I thought we were all alone.” - Alma, mom of two and safe house resident >>>

Every dollar you give today will be help a family stay safe.

  • $100 keeps our hotline active for an entire week of crisis calls.

  • $300 provides two nights of safe shelter, hot meals, and clothing for a fleeing parent and child.

  • $1,000 funds an entire multi-week course of trauma-informed therapy for a child who has witnessed violence.

Give Today

We cannot erase the trauma of the past 50 years, but with your anniversary gift, we can provide safety for the next generation. Please honor YWCA’s golden milestone by making your tax-deductible gift today.

With deepest gratitude for 50 years of partnership,

Madeleine K. O’Connell
Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Sonoma County

P.S. You can donate securely online now at www.ywcasc.org.

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