YWCA Mohawk Valley Marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the YWCA Mohawk Valley is raising awareness about domestic violence.

CEO Diane Stancato says the YWCA will be expanding their services, thanks to a three-year, $4.8 million grant through the New York State Office of Victim Services.

The grant will enable the Y to relaunch New Horizons, a runaway and homeless youth program.  The program was adjusted from the original model and now focuses on young women ages 18 to 24 who have aged out of the foster care system, are chronically homeless, or are homeless due to domestic and/or sexual violence.

The YWCA will also be hosting a number of events in October, including Take Back the Night Rallies in Utica on Tuesday, October 15th and in Rome on Thursday, October 17th.

“Even with a rising number of reports,” said Stancato, “we are equipped to serve and support every member of our community in any capacity they need, 24/7.”

Stancato says the agency has already provided over 12,000 instances of service this year.