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A Message from The Pima County Attorney and the YWCA of Tucson
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Imagine a life without violence! Every year we are bombarded by the headlines proclaiming how dangerous our society has become. Sadly, the fear of violence effects the way we live our lives, and raise our children. At times we can feel powerless. We shouldn't. We live in a community that is caring and compassionate. We live in a community that prides itself on being a leader in creating innovative programs to combat crime and the anxiety that accompanies it.
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Domestic Violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 -
more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.
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Every year approximately 132,000 women in the U.S. report that they are victims of rape.
Estimates are that the real number of rapes is two to six times that number.
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This year neighborhood associations, schools, law enforcement, youth development organizations, mental health organizations, domestic violence organizations, and the faith community have come together in a united voice to call for an end to violence. They have come together for the 5th Annual National YWCA Week Without Violence.
The goal of the Week Without Violence campaign and this newspaper supplement is to inform the public of the many events occurring throughout the week. The following pages will highlight activities, the organizations responsible, and any cost associated in attending. We hope that you will take part in these special activities and learn how to combat and prevent violence in your life and our community.
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By increasing awareness we also hope to encourage you to get involved in the campaign to stop violence. Many organizations need your help to continue their valuable work. This is your opportunity to become more familiar with the many agencies that provide needed services for Pima County and support them, by volunteering, attending events, or making a donation.
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This week we ask that you make the time to participate in the many events occurring. Talk to your children about how to combat hatred and racism in their schools or on their playgrounds. Spend time with your family discussing how you can make our community a safer and better place.
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"In a free society, some are guilty but all are responsible."
Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
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Violence is a cancer that can eat away at the soul of a community. Working together we can make Pima County a place that is free of violence and hatred. Together we have the power to create a life without violence for ourselves and our community.
Barbara LaWall
Pima County Attorney
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Kenna Smith, President
The YWCA of Tucson
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The Pima County Attorney's Office
has several programs promoting education about and
prevention of violence in our community:
Child Support Division
ACT Now Truancy Program
Community Justice Boards
Ride the Waves Resiliency Program
School Multi-Agency Review Team (SMART)
Adult Diversion Program
88 Crime
For additional information call 740-5600 or visit our website at
www.pcao.co.pima.az.us
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The YWCA of Tucson's purpose is to:
"create opportunities for women's growth,
leadership and power" and "the elimination of racism wherever it exists."
Founded in 1917, the YWCA provides services to more than 9,000 individuals in Tucson each
year.
Updated
information about ways to combat violence are available on the YWCA website throughout the
year, together with information about other YWCA programs.
For additional information call 884-7810 or visit our website at
www.ywcatucson.org
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