TOPEKA, Kansas - For one week in October, our community stands up, embraces love and stops violence through the YWCA's Week Without Violence, October 18th -24th. Here are a list of the week's events.

10.18: Reflection Vigil
5-6pm, Lake Shawnee Botanical Gardens
Each year, Topeka's faith community gathers to begin the week with prayer and reflection. Help bring about a more peaceful world. Those who attend will have an opportunity to share stories and create peace flags to honor survivors.

This day will also be a city-wide Day of Prayer for Peace as faith communities pray for an end to domestic violence in their Sunday services. To participate or learn more, click here.

10.19: Chalk at the Capitol
6-8pm, Kansas Capitol Building South Lawn
Join us for free family fun including carnival games, moonwalks, prizes, art activities and a hot dog dinner! Chalk at the Capitol is a special night for families who want to have fun and start talking about peaceful relationships.

10.20 Sin by Silence Film Screening
7:00-8:30pm at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library
From behind prison walls, Sin by Silence reveals the lives of extraordinary women who advocate for a future free from domestic violence. Inside the California Institution for Women, the first inmate-initiated and led group in the US prison system, shatters the misconceptions of domestic violence. Against the system and against the odds, the women of Convicted Women Against Abuse have risen to expose the stigma of domestic violence, reveal the brutal details of violent relationships, explain the lack of options available to women and, most importantly, how domestic violence affects each and every one of us. Please join us for this powerful film. A panel discussion featuring Olivia Klaus, the film's producer / director and Brenda Clubine, founder of CWAA will follow the film. Learn more about the film at www.sinbysilence.com.

10.21 March and Rally to End Domestic Violence
12-1pm starting at the YWCA of Topeka and ending at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas campus
Each year since 1995, Topekans have gathered at this event to make their voices heard. Join your voice with hundreds of concerned community members as we demand an end to domestic violence. The march will begin at the YWCA of Topeka where participants will gather and pick up signs. Marchers will then walk through the heart of downtown Topeka to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas campus for a free hot dog lunch, speakers and performances. This year’s speakers include Curt and Christi Brungardt, whose daughter Jana Mackey was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2008. Learn more about the Brungardt’s efforts to honor their daughter’s life at www.1100torches.org.

10.22 Speak Up, Speak Out Teen Performance Art Night
7-9pm at The Break Room
Teens showcase their talents in drawing, painting, photography, song, dancing, poetry and more as the speak out against relationship violence. Prizes will be awarded to the top entries in visual and performance art.

10.23 Empowerment Now! Self-Defense Class
12-1pm or 5:30-6:30pm at the YWCA Health Arena
This free self-defense class will help participants learn a few new moves while getting a great workout and building confidence. Attend either convenient session.

10.24 Voices against Violence Featuring Katlyn Conroy
9pm-midnight at Bosco's
Indie, folk and acoustic artist Katlyn Conroy brings melodramatic pop from Lawrence to our fair city. Check out original music from Katlyn and other local performers at Boscos during Voices Against Violence. Cover charge is $5 at the door. All proceeds benefit the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment (formerly the YWCA Battered Women Task Force) in their efforts to help victims of domestic and sexual violence. Hear Katlyn at http://www.myspace.com/katlynconroy.