Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2024

For the second year in a row, Stepping Stones is bringing a multidimensional Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign to Taylor County. Every October is viewed as a chance to shed light on a serious issue that many people are not well-informed about. The myths and misconceptions surrounding domestic and family violence run rampant, making it difficult for survivors to access the help they need from their support systems, employers and even community resources. One of the glaring misconceptions we’ve run into time and time again when surveying community members is the belief that nobody in one’s life has experienced violence in the home; many people, even elders with a lifetime's worth of social experiences, bear this mislead notion, even though, statistically, it is literally impossible. That being said, our attention is lured to the environments in which violence in the home is permitted to exist and to escalate.

In 2023, Wisconsin suffered the loss of at least 109 citizens to domestic and family violence that escalated to homicide. That equates to two innocent lives being ripped from children, parents, friends and families per week. This statistic is not only alarming, but profoundly high in comparison to the most of the country. In fact, one out of every six domestic violence homicides that occurred in America occurred right here in Wisconsin. We have utilized this and other information from the 2023 End Abuse Wisconsin’s DV Homicide Report to create a public display. It’s our hope that the awareness display will act as a call to action to anyone who takes a few minutes out of their day to expose themselves to the devastating, important information it contains. Throughout the month, this display can be viewed along the handrail dividing the city parking lot North of Stepping Stones and the Second Street sidewalk. At the end of October, Stepping Stones will take to Facebook to inquire with those who took the time to view the display about what they found most enlightening about the information; we want to hear from you.

The Stepping Stones Facebook page will also be utilized in raising awareness of the issues of victim blaming, community accountability and the importance of recognizing that abusers are not abusive to everyone they encounter; many perpetrators of violence within their homes and relationships are considered “good people” within their communities. There is a reason that over half of DV homicides in the 2023 report occurred at a private residence and it is not a coincidence.

Lastly, as dawn falls over Taylor County earlier with each passing day, passersby may be drawn to the purple lights piercing through Stepping Stones otherwise dark, north-facing windows. These glowing lights are meant to serve as a message to all who have or are currently dealing with domestic or family violence. The message we wish to convey with these lights is as follows: whether it’s been years since the abuse, you’re currently in the thick of it, or you’re ready to leave and begin your healing journey… we believe you, we stand with you and we are here to help however we can, whenever you are ready.

Stepping Stones Crisis Line: 1-866-343-5140