YWCAs in Australia commemorated the YWCA Australia Week without Violence, October 17 - 23, 2011. YWCA Victoria and Adelaide have held events with a local flavour, and YWCA of Canberra will hold an exhibition in late November, to also tie in with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and White Ribbon Day.

YWCA Victoria held a “speed dating with a twist” event on 19 October aimed at examining what a respectful relationship looks like. The evening brought together about 30 like-minded men and women to share conversational topics ranging from respectful relationships to the event's title: "Feminists are better in bed!".

YWCA Adelaide coordinated this year’s local Reclaim the Night on 28
OParticipant at Reclaim the Night, Adelaide 2011ctober. The theme in Adelaide was ‘Violence Against Young Women. Speak out!’. In response to community consultation the event departed from the traditional march and was instead held as a Twilight Picnic in the city’s central square, with men and boys welcome to participate. Over 200 people gathered to enjoy music, hear guest speakers including Kate Ellis, Federal Minister for the Status of Women, learn about local programs aimed at building respectful relationships, and make themselves heard on this vital issue.

YWCA of Canberra will celebrate Week Without Violence by staging the evocative exhibition Rosenstrasse 76. This is an installation of a domestic scene – a four room apartment – which illustrates all the ways domestic violence manifests itself behind closed doors. It aims to both prevent domestic violence and encourage victims of violence to seek ways out. It will be on at the ACT Legislative Assembly from 23 – 30 November. 

Rosenstrasse 76 has also been exhibited by the YWCAs of Finland and Germany, and was on display at World Council 2011, which inspired members of YWCA of Canberra to undertake it in Australia.

» Find out about YWCA Week Without Violence activities worldwide