STATEMENT FROM YWCA USA CEO DARA RICHARDSON-HERON, M.D.:

“One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. A recent high profile incident in the news has put the spotlight on this astounding problem, and has men and women across the country participating in important dialogue about domestic violence. The YWCA hopes that the discussions started as a result of this news story will raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of domestic violence and continue the dialogue on how we can once and for all eradicate violence against women. Simply put, gender-based violence is unacceptable, in any form and under any circumstances.

“For decades, the YWCA has been on the frontlines of working to end domestic violence. The YWCA is one of the largest providers of domestic violence services in the United States with over 200 local YWCA associations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Each year, we provide hundreds of thousands of women and families with programs and services for both survivors and perpetrators, including emergency shelter, crisis hotlines, counseling, educational programs, prevention training, support groups, and abuse intervention. The YWCA also provides domestic violence training to businesses, law enforcement, and medical personnel across the nation.

“Recent events have spurred many people to more closely examine domestic violence and to ask how they can be part of the solution. We encourage them to join us, along with our fellow service providers and advocates, in our commitment to breaking the cycle of domestic violence through awareness, education and expert intervention. For more information about the YWCA’s services, please visit ywca.org.”

Sincerely,

YWCA USA Communications