Dane County Board of Supervisors Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 23, 2025
Dylan Moffitt, Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator, (608) 228-9053
County Board

2025 recognition encourages partnership with survivors toward safety, support, and solidarity

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, the Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout Dane County, signifying the importance of survivor support and community action to end domestic violence and intimate partner violence (IPV). The board passed 2025 RES-182 to mark this observance.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month has been observed nationally since 1989 to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of IPV and connect survivors with resources and support. In Dane County, approximately one in five homicides are IPV-related, with approximately 1,000 incidents of IPV reported to law enforcement each year. Women make up the majority of IPV-related victims locally, and victimization rates are disproportionately higher among Native American, Black, and Hispanic residents.

“Domestic abuse affects people from all walks of life, but so does the resilience of survivors,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles. “Our community stands with them and will continue working to create lasting change through awareness, education, and action.”

The importance of community support for survivors is reflected in this year’s national theme, “With Survivors, Always.” The theme serves as both a recognition and a call to action to stand beside survivors and accompany them on their journey toward safety, support, and solidarity.

“Domestic violence is a crisis that affects individuals and families in every community, regardless of background or circumstance” said Supervisor Lisa Jackson (Dist. 26), who presented the resolution. “As a Dane County Board Supervisor, I stand with survivors and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring they have the support, safety, and justice they deserve. We must continue working together — across all levels of government and community — to prevent abuse, hold perpetrators accountable, and build a future where every person can live free from fear.”

The board also welcomed Mary Donahue, director of development and communications for DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services), to speak in support of the resolution. Shannon Barry, executive director of DAIS provided the following quote: “We are grateful to the Dane County Board for recognizing the power of awareness through this resolution, and in turn, standing with survivors and advocates throughout our county. We know that lasting change only happens when we work together, no matter our role in the community, to insist that safe relationships are a basic human right rather than a privilege.”

Founded in 1977, DAIS empowers individuals affected by domestic violence and advocates for social change through education, outreach, and support services. It operates the only domestic violence shelter in Dane County, offering critical resources and a safe haven for survivors and their families.

The Dane County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to supporting organizations like DAIS, which provide lifesaving services, advocate for stronger protections, offer training and resources, and continue raising awareness about domestic violence and its impact on our community.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the DAIS 24-Hour Help Line by calling (608) 251-4445 or by texting (608) 420-4638 for confidential support. For additional local resources, visit: https://bit.ly/DCDVresources. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 911 – or text 911 if you are unable to call.

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About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Composed of 37 supervisors elected to represent each county district, the county board’s mission is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the county board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.