At YWCA Northeast Indiana, October is a time to raise community awareness about domestic violence. YWCA Northeast Indiana hosts several events and activities that the community can participate in to raise awareness for domestic violence. Learn more and find out how you can get involved below.
Proclamation Signings
We are in the process of scheduling mayoral proclamation signings that will declare October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fort Wayne and surrounding counties!
Chalk it Up for Awareness
Join YWCA staff and community members outside Trinity English Lutheran Church (450 W Washington Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46802) as we cover sidewalks with facts, statistics, drawings and quotes that bring domestic violence awareness to the community, and encouragement and support to survivors. Stop in at anytime during the event and stay for as long as you’d like!
October 15th from 11 AM - 1 PM
Flowers on the River
Flowers on the River is a free annual YWCA Northeast Indiana event held to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Come join us for this community gathering featuring a reading of the proclamation, inspiring music, survivor stories, a moment of silence, and dropping purple carnations off the bridge into the St. Mary's River. This event takes place on the Wells St Bridge within Promenade Park (202 W Superior St, Fort Wayne, IN 46802)
October 6th at 6 PM
Circle
The theme of our 2026 event is “Reclaiming the Narrative.” Attendees will hear from three women who have experienced domestic violence, each sharing a different part of her journey. Paula Hughes-Schuh, CEO, YWCA Northeast Indiana, will share the prologue — how she found herself in a domestic violence situation. Jonnie Gerardot, Resource Development Coordinator, United Way of DeKalb County, will share the climax — the moment she found the strength to leave. Jama Ross, Executive Director, Blessings in a Backpack, will share the epilogue — life after domestic violence.
Thursday, October 29, 2026
11am-1pm
Parkview Mirro Center
$100
Registration closed on October 22, 2026.
Learn more about Circle by visiting our event webpage.
Purple Fridays
Show your support for ending domestic violence by wearing purple every Friday in October. Encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to also participate and raise awareness!
Don't forget to share your photos and tag us on social media! #DVAM #PurpleFridays
Download our Purple Fridays flyer here.
Turn the Town Purple
Fort Wayne lights, like the MLK Bridge, will be lit purple in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on October 18-19th!
Peace Story Time
Peace Story Time is an opportunity for our children to celebrate compassion and nonviolence. No one is born an abuser, and through age-appropriate story telling, we can create a foundation of understanding that will empower our children to make positive decisions in their future relationships.
Attend a local event or hold a story time with your children at home using books about peace, love, and nonviolence.
Learn more and find book suggestions for various ages on our Peace Story Time flyer.
Share our Toolkit and Social Media Posts
Send out our 2026 DVAM Toolkit to friends, family, coworkers, church groups, community clubs, etc. We will use social media to share information, resources, and statistics throughout the month. Make sure to like and share these posts on Facebook and Instagram!
Learn about YWCA Northeast Indiana’s Domestic Violence Services
YWCA Northeast Indiana provides
- Crisis Shelter – Bonnie’s House
- Advocacy and Community-Based Services
- Therapy Services
- Children and Nutrition Services
- Community Education
Learn more about our domestic violence services on our website!
YWCA Northeast Indiana’s Domestic Violence Services