Dane County Board Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 15, 2026
CountyBoardPress@danecounty.gov, (608) 228-9053
County Board
DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, the Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout Dane County. The board passed 2026 RES-181 to raise awareness of intimate partner violence, support survivors, and call for collective action to end domestic violence in Dane County.
The 2026 theme, “With Survivors, Always,” builds on last year’s focus on safety, support, and solidarity while placing a deeper emphasis on moving from awareness to action. The campaign recognizes that survivors continue to face barriers to safety and to the services they and their families rely on.
Intimate partner violence can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background, and disproportionately affects people from marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. In Dane County, 30% of all homicide, sexual assault, and simple and aggravated assault offenses are perpetrated by an intimate partner.
“Each statistic in this resolution represents a person whose life was upended,” said Supervisor Erin Welsh (District 7), who read the resolution. “Our obligation extends beyond acknowledgment. It requires ensuring that survivors who come forward have access to the services and support they need. I am grateful to DAIS and to the advocates who make that possible across Dane County.”
The board recognized the work of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), which has supported people experiencing domestic violence in Dane County since 1977 through its 24-hour Help Line and Text Line, legal advocacy, support groups, children’s services, education, and prevention programs. DAIS also operates the only emergency domestic violence shelter in Dane County.
“To acknowledge October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month is to acknowledge its far-reaching and pervasive impact in our community,” said Shannon Barry, executive director of DAIS. “As a network of advocates and advocacy organizations made possible by this very community, we’ve come so far with what services are available to support survivors as their rebuild their lives after violence. However, as parents, friends, colleagues, partners, students and citizens, all of us can feel in this current moment how we still have so far to go towards a society that uplifts safety and health in relationships as the birthright that it is. Acknowledgment is a first essential step on the path towards the safer futures we know are possible”
The Dane County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to supporting organizations like DAIS and invites all residents to join in taking collective action to end domestic violence, affirming that every person deserves to live in a safe space and to have relationships free from violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the DAIS 24-hour Help Line at (608) 251-4445 or text (608) 420-4638 for confidential support. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call or text 911.
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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/.