LEWISTON – As part of the international organization, YWCAs across the United States and Canada recognized the need to eliminate violence from communities with the Week Without Violence activities. The YWCA of Central Maine provided a week full of activities for people of all ages.

“We had a terrific week and want to thank the entire community for helping us to raise awareness for the need to actively seek peace in our communities. This was the 11th year when we have participated in this important initiative,” said Anne Craigs, executive director of the YWCA. The activities included a memorial banner, safety carnival for children, free Magic YWorld swim and a march across the bridge.

A large group walked across the Longley Bridge as a demonstration of their concern for the level of domestic violence that takes place in communities.

“Surprisingly, one fifth to one third of all women will suffer from domestic abuse at the hand of a partner or ex-partner during their lifetimes,” said Pam Gallant, director of aquatics. “We organize the week with activities to show people that there is an alternative to violence, and that we need to seek peace and encourage tolerance in our community.”

The Week Without Violence is an annual event sponsored by the YWCA USA and takes place the third week of October. For more information, visit the national Web site at www.ywca.org.

For more information about membership and activities at the YWCA of Central Maine, call 795-4050 or visit www.ywcamaine.org.