As part of Mes de Acción contra la Violencia Doméstica, the Community Vigil on October 1, served as an opportunity for domestic violence survivors, community members, and supportive agencies to celebrate the strength of survivors, honor those who have lost their lives, and call for action to create a community free from violence.

The cloudy evening at the Snxw Meneɂ Amphitheater served as a powerful backdrop for the Spokane community to unite in solidarity.

YWCA Spokane CEO, Jeanette Hauck, hosted the event, which featured words from Mayor Lisa Brown and community partners. Mayor Brown affirmed the city’s commitment to listening and supporting survivors.

The event focused on what each of us can do to support survivors, whether that is professionally or interpersonally. One way is to simply show up with compassion. Domestic violence thrives in isolation. “By showing up and offering support for survivors, you can interrupt this cycle of silence,” shared Jemma Riedel-Johnson, YWCA Spokane Engagement Lead.

Speakers from six community partners touched on different aspects of support, which begins with acknowledging the realities of domestic violence, listening with care, and believing their stories. We need to validate their experiences, advocate for their needs, and refer to meaningful services.

Acknowledge

Gabby Dansereau, Survivor and former Miss Spokane, Stop the Silence – Read by Jeanette

“For too long, silence has been one of the most powerful weapons of abuse. Survivors are told to keep quiet, to be ashamed, or to feel guilty. Victims are remembered only as statistics, instead of the vibrant people they were. But when we speak their names, when we share their stories, when we acknowledge their courage and their suffering, we begin to break the cycle.”

Listen

Ana Trusty, Executive Director of Mujeres in Action Spokane, shared that “True listening isn’t passive. It’s an active practice of compassion.” When we listen deeply, we can help a survivor see that they are not defined by what happened to them.

Believe

Ashley Carter, Assistant Manager at Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services – Read by Erica Shreiber

“To a survivor, being believed can restore a sense of dignity, safety, and hope, showing them that they are not alone and that healing is possible.”

Defensor

Angel Tomeo Sam, Co-founder and Executive Director of Yoyot Sp'q'n'I emphasized how we must move beyond awareness to action. “It means choosing every day to meet survivors with care, not judgment, with respect, not pity. Believe healing is possible because it is, even if a survivor cannot see it yet.” By advocating for a survivor’s voice and needs, we can help them feel empowered and know that they are worthy of love and respect.

Validate

Roshelle Cleland, Director of Advocacy & Education, Lutheran Community Services Northwest

“For a survivor, being validated can be the difference between isolation and hope.

Validation is something each of us can give. It doesn’t require special training—it requires humanity. Saying “I believe you,” or “What happened is not your fault,” can be the first step in a survivor’s journey to safety and healing. These simple words hold so much power and you can make a life changing difference.”

Refer

Taffy Hunter, Executive Director of Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition, shared a piece of her own experience fleeing domestic violence and utilizing YWCA Spokane services. Her story reminded us all that supporting survivors and their families takes an entire community. With so many wonderful organizations in the region doing this work, sharing resources and appropriate referrals can help connect a survivor with lifesaving support.

A Call to Action

“Together we are powerful enough to create a world free from violence,” stated Jeanette Hauck. She then shared ways we can all take action:

• Break the silence. Violence thrives in the dark. We must name it, confront it, and refuse to look away.
• Stand with survivors. Believe them. Support them. Remind them that they are not alone.
• Demand accountability. From our systems, from our leaders, from one another. We must push for stronger protections, better resources, and real change in how our community addresses domestic violence.
• Live differently. To treat others with respect, to teach our children that they are worthy of safety and love, and to build homes, where violence has no place.

The event closed with an invitation to explore the month-long StoryWalk exhibit on Snxw Meneɂ island, pairing original survivor poetry with artwork from local artists. The 15 stations are designed to spark connection, reflection, and conversation about respect, trust, and healthy relationships.

Teresa Dixon, who facilitates The Thread writing group responsible for the poetry, ended the event with an original poem entitled “Being Outspoken” about finding her own voice and helping the survivors do the same.

Resources & Ways to Support

• Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services - sitio web
• LCSNW services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, as well as youth who are impacted by violence.
• Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition - sitio web
• Stop the Silence - Facebook page
• Apoyo Mujeres en acción  by shopping their online store
• Yoyot Sp'q'n'i - website and merch store

Eventos

• 10/24 - SRDVC Presents: The Nightmare Before Christmas Interactive Movie Night!
• 10/14 - SRDVC Special DVAM Event - Guided Interactions: Transforming DV Response Through Innovation
• All October - StoryWalk exhibit at Riverfront Park

Thank You to YWCA's DVAM Sponsors & Supporters

Thank you to our DVAM sponsors MultiCare, Lime, First Interstate Bank, Lamar Advertising, Garco Construction, and Wendle Nissan Ford. 

We would also like to thank Riverfront Spokane for granting use of their beautiful venue in the park for this special gathering.

YWCA Spokane está aquí para usted

Si usted o alguien que conoce se ve afectado por la violencia doméstica de su pareja, sepa que siempre hay defensores confidenciales disponibles a través de nuestros servicios de línea de ayuda las 24 horas llamando 509-326-2255, enviando un correo electrónico ayuda@ywcaspokane.org, o mensajes de texto 509-220-3725.

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