Baldwin Helps Victims of Domestic Violence

Press Release

Efforts to build a desperately-needed shelter in Dane County for victims of domestic abuse received a boost when Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) secured federal funds to help jumpstart the project.

At the request of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc. (DAIS), a non-profit agency serving Dane County, Baldwin secured $300,000 in the FY2011 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to help purchase land for a new shelter to replace the existing one that is outdated and inadequate to meet the growing need. It is the only domestic violence shelter serving Dane County. The bill was passed late Friday by the House.

DAIS Executive Director Shannon Barry explained the need:

"Over our 33 year history, DAIS has experienced a consistent increase in the number of individuals and families requesting our services. However, with the on-set of the economic recession, the number of people turning to us for help has exploded. Compared with the first three quarters of 2008, in the first three quarters of 2009 there was a 145% increase in the number of callers on our crisis line requesting information about shelter.

The number of nights people were waitlisted for the DAIS shelter due to the shelter being full increased over 1,600% in the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the first three quarters of 2008. One woman and her five children waited 22 days for space to become available in our shelter.

"For victims of domestic abuse and their children, finding safe haven can mean the difference between life and death," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "The DAIS shelter offers much more than a roof and a bed, it offers safety from physical violence and emotional abuse, help to forge a new path, and hope for a better life. I'm proud to bring federal support to this life-saving, community-based project," Baldwin said.

"Our facility and the subsequent limitations thereof, is currently our greatest challenge, said DAIS Executive Director Barry. "These funds will not only allow us to better serve the needs of Dane County, but will also provide our clients with the calming and nurturing environment that they deserve, and which is necessary for their healing, long term success, and safety. We are so thankful for the support of Congresswoman Baldwin and the commitment she has made to domestic violence survivors. She serves as a prime example of what we hope will become a wide-spread public effort in ending domestic violence," Barry said.

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