By Julie Billings
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT | YWCA Mohawk Valley
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. | 7 Rutger Park, Utica
WHAT:
YWCA Mohawk Valley invites the community to join us for our annual Take Back the Night, a powerful evening of solidarity and support for survivors of domestic violence. Each October, as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), YWCA MV gathers survivors, advocates, and allies to shatter the silence surrounding domestic violence and take a collective stand against gender-based violence.
This year’s event will feature remarks, a community march, and opportunities to connect with advocates who provide confidential support. Participants are encouraged to wear purple to show solidarity with survivors.
WHEN & WHERE:
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 5:30 p.m.
7 Rutger Park, Utica, NY
The evening will conclude with a march led by YWCA MV advocates.
WHY:
Domestic violence affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. every year—about 20 people every minute. Locally, YWCA MV continues to see an increase in need for life-saving crisis programming. Between January 1 and September 30, 2025, YWCA MV:
- Served more than 3,000 individuals in crisis (unduplicated)
- Provided over 2,000 instances of advocacy and accompaniment
- Answered 1,424 crisis hotline calls and texts
- Housed 70 adults and children in emergency shelters
Every YWCA MV service—shelter, hotline, advocacy, counseling—is free and confidential, offered by a dedicated staff of fewer than 50 who work around the clock to support survivors and their families.
SPONSORS:
DVAM 2025 is presented by Total Solutions and empowered by:
UGEFCU • Bank of Utica • Fitzgerald, DePietro Wojnos CPAs • Adorino Construction, Inc. • Coldwell Banker Sexton Real Estate • Mohawk Valley Health System • Elizabeth and Robert Pellegrino • Saunders & Kahler Law Firm LLP • Strategic Financial • The Hartford
QUOTE:
“This night is our most powerful night of the year,” said Dianne Stancato, YWCA MV CEO. “Take Back the Night reminds us that survivors are not alone—they are seen, they are heard, and they are believed. Together, we are ending domestic violence.”
HOTLINE INFORMATION:
YWCA MV 24-hour Hotlines (Free & Confidential):
- Oneida County: Call or text 315.797.7740 (DV & SV crisis services)
- Herkimer County: Call 315.866.4120 (SV & child advocacy services)
- Chat online: ywcamv.org/Chat
