'Tis the season for giving and receiving thanks
As the holiday season arrives, I want you to know how grateful our families are for the services made available by your generous support.
Recognizing the signs of domestic abuse
If you’re like me, newspaper headlines have a way of shaking you up and distracting you from other concerns.
Impacts of domestic violence on our community
Dear Friend, If you’re like me, newspaper headlines have a way of shaking me free from the other concerns of my day.
Nurture - A Mother's Day Message
Preschoolers, like ours featured on the cover of this card, not only heal and catch up on their social and emotional growth, they too learn how to nurture.
A survivor says, don't suffer in silence
Mortified, I removed his hand and continued on with the dinner. The second time he reached over…
Assault stories rip open wounds
When a high-profile sexual assault case makes headlines, those who are survivors of rape, domestic violence and related offenses are re-traumatized…
Lifesaver for struggling women, kids
As lockdowns were put in place, health experts warned that the forced isolation, economic strain and increased family stress could create a perfect mix of factors to escalate domestic abuse.
Hope and Kindness - 2020 holiday message
Especially at this time of year, we reflect on the meaning of hope and kindness in our lives.
Sonoma County nonprofits look to Giving Tuesday for much needed financial boost amid pandemic
O’Connell said domestic violence incidents have increased during the pandemic as people are forced to spend more time at home.
Sonoma County Community Foundation recognizes DVAM
“Shelter in place can actually be more frightening and dangerous in today’s pandemic for families who are dealing with violence in their home.”
Unprecedented Times: DVAM 2020
Theo witnessed and experienced his father’s abuse and was showing symptoms of fear, withdrawal and inability to express his emotions. Through the use of a sand tray and YWCA’s trauma-informed approach, …
Shelter in Place - When staying home may not be safe.
Reflecting on these past many weeks of “shelter in place” one cannot begin to fathom the impact on victims of violence and abuse being sheltered together with their abuser.
Therapy pivots during pandemic
…during the shelter-in-place order, dedicated YWCA domestic violence advocates continue to maintain Sonoma County’s only confidential safe house shelter, thereby safeguarding the families in our care.
Safe House is baby's first home
A child is born. An innocent, precious being at the beginning of her journey through life. Her name is Gabriella and her first home is YWCA’s confidential Safe House shelter.
The singular voice of domestic violence
Over the past year, the #MeToo movement has transformed our culture, and in many ways has expanded beyond sexual assault and harassment to become a movement which empowers women.
A success story
While recovering in the hospital following the birth of her youngest, Wendy’s sister and mother gave her YWCA’s 24/7 crisis hotline number and insisted she call.
Wildfires: common threads with DV
As you know, our community has endured loss, trauma and despair as we all grapple with the impact of the October ‘17 wildfires.
Not just a lunch box
A lunchbox made this little girl feel like she is like the other kids at school. She is no longer the girl who gets “free lunch” …
Coaches can lead the way in molding young adults
Young adults and kids who are bullied are two and a half times more likely to attempt suicide and those who were cyberbullied are …
Mental health in schools and DV
Further research and data only confirm what teachers and school counselors already know: despite the fact that the violence happens at home, its impact resonates in the classroom.