Press release
Batavia, NY – The YWCA of Genesee County is proud to announce a month-long campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October, rallying the community around awareness, education, and survivor support through its powerful theme: “Rooted in Safety, Rising in Strength.”
A full calendar of events invites the public to engage, reflect, and learn how they can support survivors of domestic violence and help build a safer, stronger Genesee County.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025 Events:
· October 1 | Roots & Ribbons Display Upton Monument, Batavia – 12:00 PM 1,579 purple ribbons—each symbolizing a service provided by the YWCA in 2024—will be tied to the trees surrounding the Upton Monument. Supporters are invited to visit throughout the month and add messages of encouragement to survivors.
· October 3 | Food Truck Rodeo & Open House YWCA – 301 North Street, Batavia – 4:00–7:00 PM A fun, family-friendly evening featuring a variety of food trucks, community agency vendor tables, and guided tours of YWCA programs. Discover how the YWCA supports women and families across Genesee County every day.
· October 4 | Wine Walk – DVAM Outreach Downtown Batavia Look for the YWCA table during the Wine Walk for resources, giveaways, and conversations that matter.
· October 27 | Together We Rise: Breakfast & Panel Main Street 56 Theater – Breakfast at 8:00 AM | Program 9:00–10:30 AM A free community event featuring breakfast from the Alabama Hotel and heartfelt stories from survivors. Learn firsthand how domestic violence impacts lives—and how our community can be part of the solution. Panel discussion includes, Batavia City Police Chief Shawn Heubush, YWCA Director of Domestic Violence Eve Graham, YWCA Mental Health Counselor Jacquelyn Wheeler, Genesee County District Attorney’s Office and a domestic violence survivor.
Why It Matters: Services That Save Lives
These events support the YWCA’s comprehensive, trauma-informed services, which include:
· 24/7 Crisis Services & Safe Shelter for survivors of domestic violence
· Court Advocacy & Legal Support, including help filing orders of protection
· Mental Health Counseling for survivors and their families
· Rapid Rehousing
· My Sister’s Closet Boutique and Food Pantry, offering dignity and stability
· Prevention Education in schools and community settings
· High-Risk Case Management in collaboration with law enforcement and local agencies
In 2024 alone, the YWCA provided 1,579 direct services to survivors—and demand continues to grow. Community support during DVAM is critical to sustaining this work.
Join the Movement
The YWCA calls on individuals, businesses, and community leaders to stand in solidarity with survivors and break the silence around domestic violence. Together, we can build a community where safety is a right—not a privilege.
For more information, to get involved, or to make a donation, visit: www.ywcagenesee.org