Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2026
Saturday, October 3, 2026; SafeFUR Homes: Family safety is important for everyone – including pets! We are kicking off our Annual SafeFUR Homes Event to raise awareness about the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse AND to raise funds to support the lifesaving services of The Women’s Community. Bring your furry friends to play games and show off their best costumes and barks in our competition! The event will be held at Oak Island Park, 500 River Road, Wausau, WI 54403 from 9:00am-11:00am. Suggested donation of non-perishable food or toiletries to help stock our pantry. Proof of vaccination and leash required for all animals.
Tuesday October 13, 2026; Book Discussion & Author Meet and Greet: Join us at The Story Cellar to discuss, Through the Eyes of Fear by local author and speaker Jan Kraetsch. Fulfilling a promise to her mother, J. K. shares the courageous battles she fought while surviving 20 years of vicious domestic abuse. With poignant and gripping detail, J. K. reveals the submissive fear, silent agony and dashed hope that epitomizes what has become one of the United States leading silent crimes. In the same compelling manner, the author details the wavering steps she took to an unfamiliar but very welcome freedom. The event will be held from 6:00pm-7:30pm at The Story Cellar, 416 N 3rd St, Wausau, WI 54403. Books are available for purchase from The Story Cellar.
Tuesday October 20, 2026; Sips of Sophistication: Join us on October 20, 2026, from 6:00–9:00 PM for our inaugural Sips of Sophistication event at the breathtaking Crystal Pines venue. Enjoy an elegant evening featuring exceptional cuisine, exquisite wines, refined whiskeys, and wonderful company. Tyler Babl from AllState will guide guests through a curated selection of fine wines and whiskeys, paired with a delicious meal catered by Hoehn’s Huddle. Tickets are $100 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Lisa Brooks (lisa@womenscommunity.org) for more information. Spots are limited, and registration closes October 11th.
Saturday October 24, 2026; Get Loud! Live Music Event: Get Loud! 2026 is our 4th annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month event to raise awareness around the topic of domestic violence in our community. We are partnering with Faraway Place in Wausau to host a local group; Mia Brown and the Get Down. This event is a way for The Women’s Community to reach an alternative demographic of people through empowering music, collective solidarity and a common goal to eradicate domestic violence in our community. There will be raffle baskets as well as advocates onsite to help anyone in need, give information, and offer services and support. Donations received will go to life saving services at The Women’s Community. This event will be held at Faraway Place, 408 N 3rd St, Wausau, WI 54403 from 8pm-10pm.
Tuesday October 27, 2026; Happy Hour with Advocates: Stop in and get to know your local victim services: The Women’s Community, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Victim Witness Specialists from the DA’s Office, and Wausau Police Department Victim Resource Unit. Find out how we collaborate and see where services differ for victims we serve. Join us to learn about getting victims connected to support! The event will be held at Bull Falls Brewing Company at 905 E Thomas St, Wausau, WI 54403 from 4:30pm-6:30pm.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026; Clothesline Project: The Clothesline Project is a visual display of resilience, healing, and hope for individuals and communities impacted by interpersonal violence and abuse. The Clothesline Project will be displayed at North Central Technical College, 1000 W. Campus Drive, Wausau, WI 54401 from 9:00am-1:00pm.
Thursdays throughout October 2026; Purple Thursday: Purple is the color used throughout October to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join us in wearing purple to support, pay tribute, and honor friends, family and community members who have experienced domestic violence. Consider a purple pledge by making a personal contribution, organize a workplace donation, or gather your friends and give as a group. Post photos of yourself in your purple gear and a message of support for survivors using #PurpleThursday and #DVAM2025 – and don’t forget to tag us at @womenscommunity!