Led by YWCAs in thousands of communities in the United States and more than 40 countries world wide, the YWCA Week Without Violence campaign emphasizes alternatives to family violence, violence linked to racism and bigotry, and violence in the media.

The YWCA Week Without Violence is always observed in the third full week in October.

In Los Angeles, Week Without Violence activities over the years have included numerous campaigns against violence, anti-violence marches and vigils, conflict resolution presentations and rallies in various schools, school poster and essay contests, youth conferences on promoting peace, meetings between parents in our programs and representatives of the local police department and numerous other activities.

As a way to begin the Week Without Violence, the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles developed the following non-denominational prayer that we distribute to local religious institutions to share with their congregation:

"Let us reflect and remember those touched by violence and as a nation come together in peace.
Let us counteract hatred in the world, too often expressed in bitter words and violent acts.

Let us learn to love generously, to express our hearts honestly, and to receive graciously.

And let us bring our community together in strength, to build a shield against violence and bring peace to our neighborhoods."

Week Without Violence
Day of Remembrance
YWCA Greater Los Angeles