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Event at Tracy Aviary honors strength of domestic violence survivors

Posted at 3:57 PM, Oct 23, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-23 17:57:19-04

SALT LAKE CITY — One in three women in Utah will experience domestic abuse in their life time, according to the YWCA, and this week the YWCA in Utah recognized survivors of domestic abuse.

The event was held at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, and YWCA Utah urged the community to take a stand against domestic violence.

Amanda Wagner, a survivor of domestic violence, said the YWCA has been a great source of support in her life.

“They showed me how I could give myself everything, and I left there eight months later with a place of my own, a job, stability, and my children—feeling comfortable and happy and more laughter: more laughter than I could have ever asked for,” she said.

Survivors planted trees to symbolize their strength and ability to live and grow, and the celebration ended with a ceremonial flight of a colorful macaw parrot.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Friday’s gathering was one of several events held by the YWCA during their Week Without Violence.

Visit the YWCA for more information about the resources they offer and the ways they can help those dealing with domestic violence.

Resources are also available through the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition online or by calling 1-800-897-5465.