May 28, 2009 - 10:18 AM

By Jeff Hayward

DURHAM -- Judy Mead hopes that one day, there won't be a need for a shelter that the organization she represents provides for women and children.

"Our goal is to end domestic violence," said Ms. Mead, manager of communications and fund development at YWCA Durham.

One way to accomplish this goal is to nip the problem in the bud, say YWCA staff. The YWCA took up an invitation to speak to Durham District School Board teachers and students on the topic recently. One subject was how to recognize an unhealthy relationship.

But in reality, there is a big need for the shelter and the YWCA anticipates that need will only grow as the community feels shock waves from the weakened economy.

Wendy Leeder, YWCA's co-executive director and shelter services director, said while families in Oshawa in particular are affected by the General Motors restructuring, the rise in domestic violence hasn't spiked. "It's hard to tell the full impact," Ms. Leeder said. "But we are preparing for a rise.

"It's a double-edged sword," Ms. Leeder said of the anticipated increase. "Less people are in a position to donate... it's quite frightening for us."

To help meet the need, the YWCA Durham is hosting its sixth annual Starry Nights fundraiser on Friday, June 12, to support the Y's WISH shelter. The organization is hoping for a healthy turnout.

Ms. Mead said those who witness domestic violence should speak out. "All you have to do is nothing for unfortunate circumstances to continue," she said, adding that as Durham's population grows, so will the need for the shelter.

Last year, the YWCA's shelter provided emergency housing for 105 female victims of violence and their 65 children. The organization has a 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-888-576-6356 and last year the YWCA fielded 693 calls on that line, noted the group.

Officials of YWCA are confident citizens will recognize the need and support its June 12 gala. "What we're finding with Starry Nights is there are more sponsors than ever (this year), even though there's a tough economy," Ms. Mead said.

Tickets to Starry Nights (featuring door prizes, dinner, dancing and auction) are $55 each, or $500 for a table of 10. Doors to the "casual" gala open at 6 p.m., with the venue being the Jubilee Pavilion at 55 Lakeview Park Ave. in Oshawa.

For more information about the YWCA Durham and its services, visit ywcadurham.org.