Imagine a week without violence. Imagine women walking the streets at night without fear. Imagine police officers not needing to use guns. Imagine domestic violence, rape and female genital mutilation as faded memories of a long gone era.

This is the vision of the global movement of YWCAs. This is what YWCA Week Without Violence works to achieve.

The third week in October (15-21), is recognised by YWCAs around the world as YWCA Week Without Violence. This week is used to encourage communities to think and act for a world free from all forms of violence.

This year, the World YWCA would like to draw attention to violence against young women and girls, which will be a major focus of next year's Commission on Status of Women (CSW).

"Young women are more prone to sexual harassment, workplace discrimination and trafficking. Between one fifth and a half of all girls and young women around the world report that their first sexual encounter was forced. We must change these situations."

(Musimbi Kanyoro, General Secretary of the World YWCA)

Activities

YWCAs around the world had various activities during the week. One of those very interesting activities is Australia's 77 shoe campaign

77 shoes

Australia has approached 77 prominent Australians to donate their shoes and take a stand against domestic violence. Along with donating their shoes they have attached their personal anti-violence messages.

The 77 Shoes represent, on average, 77 intimate partner homicides in Australia annually, the majority of whom are women.

Quotes from participants:

"The saddest thing my research has taught me about violent crime, is that the victim is so often a 'loved one' of the perpetrator. No one needs that poor, pathetic and controlling excuse for love"

- Tara Moss, Crime Writer

"Say 'no' to domestic violence - it's just not cricket."

- Jason Gillespie, Australian Cricket Team

"A wise man once said to me, if you don't like someone, walk a mile in their shoes - then you'll be a mile away from them - and you'll have his shoes!"

- Wil Anderson, Comedian

"When you hurt her - you harm our community."

- Nathan Bassett, Adelaide Crows Football Club

Source: World YWCA website: .http://www.worldywca.info/index.php/ywca/world_ywca