At YWCA of Greater Atlanta, we arm domestic violence survivors with the knowledge they need to determine the laws that determine their lives.

We mobilize women advocates to change laws that impact the survivors of domestic violence statewide. Our signature advocacy program, the Georgia Women’s Policy Institute, is an intensive training program that teaches women of diverse backgrounds how to be effective advocates for state level policy change. Through this program, we develop and support statewide policies in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

During the 2018 State Legislative Session, we supported House Bill 834 that became the first-ever legal protection for victims suffering family violence in private rental housing. The bill allows family violence victims to terminate a rental lease early without financial penalty, so when they need to move themselves and their children to safety – they can.

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Melissa Waller, survivor and civic leader, shared her story of advocating for HB 834 through YWCA's GWPI program:
I was a survivor of domestic violence myself. [D]espite being granted a temporary protective order and providing supportive evidence, my residential property management office refused to allow me break my lease... For the health and wellbeing of my baby and me - I abandoned the apartment. My credit was impacted, which made it incredibly difficult to find a new place to live. Thankfully I finally found a safe place and a landlord who allowed me to rent a residence at a reasonable price without a credit check.

Many women aren’t so fortunate and have to risk their safety. I stand proud to say, "Not anymore".

My GWPI cohort and I worked with various organizations - to name a few, the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Junior Leagues of Georgia State Public Affairs Committee - to advocate for House Bill 834... The bill passed unanimously in the state legislature this year, and when the Governor signed the bill into law, it became the first legal protection for domestic violence victims in private rental housing in the state.

I told my own story publicly for the first time when advocating for House Bill 834. GWPI supported me in removing the stigma of shame and guilt as a victim and helping me find my voice. A fire has been ignited in me to continue to be the change I want to see. I will continue to advocate for women and will run for office in the near future. I want you all to know that this fire was sparked by the YWCA’s GWPI program.
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YWCA of Greater Atlanta is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. YWCA has been a voice for change for women and families in Greater Atlanta since its founding at Spelman College in 1902. The organization's foundation is built on a history of mobilizing diverse groups of women leaders to identify community problems, advocate for solutions and create more equitable communities in Georgia. The organization addresses the needs of women and girls at multiple levels, providing direct services and programs along with non-partisan public policy advocacy. Our focus is in three areas: Education & Economic Empowerment, Health & Safety and Advocacy & Social Justice for Women and Girls, and their families.

Young Women Christian Association Of Greater Atlanta

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YWCA OF GREATER ATLANTA - Purple Purse Challenge 2018