Honoring Strength and Resilience: Domestic Abuse Awareness Month and the Lifesaving Work of DAIS

-by Katy

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse (DA) or intimate partner violence (IPV), please reach out to DAIS for support. They are available 24 hours a day. Visit their website at https://www.abuseintervention.org or contact their Help Line at (608) 251-4445. You can also text their Text Line anytime at (608) 420-4638. You are not alone.

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the devastating impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) and celebrate the strength of survivors. Domestic abuse isn’t just a statistic or a story on the news—it’s a horrific reality faced by millions every year, and its effects ripple far beyond the victims. For us at Lo+Mo, this is personal. Both Laurel and I have witnessed firsthand the terrible consequences of abuse through our personal and professional lives. We know how crucial it is to intervene, support, and uplift survivors.

This week, we had the privilege of attending the Celebrate Strength Luncheon hosted by Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), an organization right here in Dane County that is on the frontlines of this battle. We’ve long admired DAIS for their tireless work—providing safe shelter, offering emotional and legal support, and helping survivors rebuild their lives. But at the luncheon, we learned about something that filled us with immense hope: the MENS program (Men Encouraging Nonviolent Strength), a proactive initiative aimed at breaking the cycle of abuse by educating young men in our community about the importance of healthy, nonviolent relationships.

The idea of addressing domestic abuse at its roots is a powerful one. DAIS is not only protecting those in immediate danger but also planting seeds for a future where violence is not the norm, where respect and kindness are modeled for the next generation. The MENS program does just that—working with young men to foster empathy, teach conflict resolution, and build emotional intelligence. This is how real, lasting change begins.

Sobering Statistics and Heartbreaking Realities

It’s impossible to talk about domestic abuse without acknowledging just how common and deadly it is. Did you know that 1 in 3 cis-gendered women will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime? And it’s not just women who suffer—IPV affects people of all genders, races, and backgrounds. The violence escalates quickly and can have fatal consequences, especially when firearms are involved. In Dane County alone, 40% of homicides in 2023 were committed by intimate partners.

What DAIS Offers: A Lifeline for Survivors

The core of DAIS’s mission has always been to provide safety and hope to survivors. Their shelter is a haven, offering not just a roof and a bed but also trauma-informed care that helps survivors navigate the emotional scars of abuse. For those who may not need shelter, DAIS offers a 24-hour helpline, legal advocacy, and support groups—because escaping abuse is often just the first step. Healing takes time, and DAIS walks that journey with survivors, offering them the tools they need to reclaim their lives.

But the work doesn’t stop at immediate crisis intervention. DAIS understands that ending domestic violence requires a multifaceted approach, and they have created innovative programs like Children’s Programming and the MENS initiative to tackle the problem at its roots. By engaging young people—both boys and girls—DAIS is shaping a future where violence is not the answer, where respect is taught early, and where community members support one another in building healthier relationships.

How You Can Help

It’s hard to imagine how prevalent domestic abuse really is, but there is something we can all do to make a difference. You don’t have to be a survivor or a social worker to contribute to this cause. One of the most powerful things you can do is simply to be aware—understand the warning signs of abuse and know that DAIS is there for anyone who needs help. You can support DAIS by:

• Donating: Every contribution helps, whether it’s monetary or donating essential items to their shelter.
• Volunteering: DAIS relies on volunteers for everything from answering crisis calls to providing childcare during support group meetings.
• Spreading the word: Share information about DAIS and its services with your friends, family, and community. You never know who may need it.

As we reflect on what we learned at the Celebrate Strength Luncheon, we are reminded of the resilience and bravery of survivors and the incredible work DAIS does each day to ensure that no one has to face abuse alone. Domestic abuse is not just a personal issue—it’s a community issue, and it’s one we all must confront.

In this month of awareness, let’s not only honor survivors but also commit ourselves to action. Whether that’s offering support, starting conversations, or working to change the culture of violence in our communities, we can all play a role in ending domestic abuse.

We are so proud to stand with DAIS, and we hope you will too.

— Laurel & Katy, Lo+Mo

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*Sources: **National Coalition Against Domestic Violence **The Advocacy Center