YWCA honors survivors for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
TaMya Bracy
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The YWCA will honor victims and survivors of domestic violence during its annual “Hear my Voice” event to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The event is to remember victims and survivors of domestic violence and will include the winner of the 2025 Mary Jolly Memorial Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding service to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.
The event started with the showcase of artwork done by community in St. Joseph. Followed by emotional stories, songs and poetry. Then the announcement of the 2025 Molly Jolly Award.
This year the award was won by Sergeant Tami Parsons of the Buchanan County sheriffs office and Natalie Maupin from Mosaic Life Care.
The event ended with a prayer and a moment of silence for victims of domestic violence.
Danielle Brown, YWCA chief executive officer said its important to have events during domestic violence awareness month.
“We want to make sure that if you are a survivor, if you are someone who’s experienced this trauma, that you can come forward,” she said.
Brown said domestic violence month is important to get the word out to everyone.
“But we really want to make sure that people know not only that we’re here, but that everybody’s here for them and that, you know, you don’t have to continue down the same cycle,” Brown said. “You can make a difference and even more that everybody can make a difference by listening,” she said.
Every Thursday the YWCA will wear purple in support of domestic violence awareness month.