Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) 2021

The Clothesline Project: The Clothesline Project is a visual representation of Survivor experiences. Each shirt is made by a survivor of domestic/sexual violence or by someone who has had a loved one affected by violence.  The shirts are then hung on a clothesline to be viewed by others as testimony to the effects of violence in our community.  This year, The Women’s Community Clothesline Project will be displayed at SafeFur Homes, our Award Ceremony, the Town Hall event, and at various community locations throughout the month.  Watch our Facebook page for a virtual walkthrough of this moving display!

Light in the Window Social Media Campaign: The Light in the Window Campaign signifies community solidarity toward ending domestic violence in our community by organizing a display of purple lightbulbs in the windows and porches of residences, businesses, public buildings, schools/universities, hospitals, churches, etc. The campaign symbolizes communities’ concern in shedding light on the devastating effects of domestic violence and their unified commitment to make every home a safe home.  Join us in lighting up Marathon County!  To purchase your purple lightbulbs, visit Ace Hardware in Weston or Charlie’s Hardware in Mosinee.  Throughout October, tag @womenscommunity we’ll feature your posts on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Saturday, October 2, 2021; SafeFUR Homes Dog Walk Festival & Fundraiser:  Family safety is important for everyone – including pets!  We are kicking off our 1^st Annual SafeFUR Homes Dog Walk Festival & Fundraiser 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.  Join us for a fun and exciting day for the entire family, especially the four-legged members!  This event will be held at Marathon Park, 1201 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, from 11am-4pm.  For more information, check out our Facebook event page!

Thursday, October 21, 2021; Purple Thursday: This Purple Thursday, make a fashion statement that really says something: wear something purple in honor of Survivors. Tee shirts, masks, scarves, totes, eye/nail color, signage – the only limit is your imagination! Post photos of yourself in your purple gear and a message of support for survivors using #PurpleThursday and #DVAM2021 – and don’t forget to tag us at @womenscommunity!

Thursday, October 21, 2021 @ 5:30pm; Awards Ceremony and Lantern Release: Join us as we recognize community members for their dedication to supporting Survivors of domestic violence: Officer Sarah Bedish of Wausau Police Department, Davis Runde of the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office, and Marathon County Court Commissioner Sandra Marcus.  Cupcakes will be served and beverages are available for purchase in the Tap Room.  Following the awards ceremony, join us for an outdoor lantern release honoring the lives lost to domestic violence.  The event will be located in the Music Hall of Whitewater Music Hall & Brew Works, 130 1^st Street, Wausau.  Free and open to the public.

Marathon County Domestic Abuse Intervention Team
2021 Award for Excellence in Collaboration
Officer Sarah Bedish
Wausau Police Department

Marathon County Domestic Abuse Intervention Team
2021 Award for Outstanding Achievement
Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
Davis Runde
Assistant District Attorney, Marathon County

The Women’s Community
Lifetime Achievement
Award For Supporting
Survivors of Domestic Violence
Sandra J. Marcus
Circuit and Family Court Commissioner, Marathon County

Tuesday, October 26, 2021 5pm; Domestic Violence in Our Community – A Town Hall Conversation

Join the Marathon County Domestic Abuse Intervention Team (MCDAIT) for a community town hall featuring a panel of experts from across Marathon County exploring domestic violence response in our community and best practices for domestic violence prevention.  Learn from professionals who are committed to working together to implement and improve solutions for victims in our community.  The event will be located at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, from 5-8pm.  CEUs available.  For more information contact shannon@womenscommunity.org

For more information or how to make a donation to support Survivors please visit our website at: http://womenscommunity.org/ways-to-help/donate/