Senator Agard Commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month

MADISON – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Senator Melissa Agard (D-Madison) recognized all survivors of domestic violence at a rally on Sunday alongside representatives from Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) and UNIDOS. Senator Agard released the following statement:

“Domestic violence does not know zip codes, or socioeconomic status, or age. Domestic violence is not simply physical assault and we cannot always see the impacts. Intimate partner violence is a real and serious public health crisis. In October, as we commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is important that we bring attention to the resources available to victims. It is also vital that we continue pushing for legislation and programs that work to stop perpetrators and support those who have experienced abuse.

“During my time in the legislature, I am proud to have advocated for an agenda that creates support for those in dangerous relationships. It is not an exaggeration to say that meaningful legislation addressing domestic violence would save lives. That’s why I’ve introduced bills to keep firearms out of the hands of abusers, increase access to safe, affordable housing, invest in economic equity, and lean in to prevention education.

“Going into the next legislative session, I am calling on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to sign on and pass legislation to create a curriculum on health relationships and teen dating violence in our schools – a bill that has been introduced with bipartisan support for multiple sessions. We need a foundational change in how we teach our young people about abusive relationships. It is time to have this conversation.

“Finally, I want to thank Governor Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul for their efforts to address domestic violence. I am proud to sit on the Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse which has been very active during Governor Evers’ time in office. And Josh Kaul has been steadfast in his efforts through a variety of programs and grants at the Department of Justice including Safe At Home – Wisconsin’s address confidentiality program, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) STOP Program, and the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Taskforce.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.