October 2015

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) evolved from the 
"Day of Unity" held in October 1981. The intent was to connect advocates across the nation. The Day of Unity soon became an entire week devoted to a range of activities conducted at thelocal, state, and national level. The activities had common themes: 1) mourning those who have died because of domestic violence; 2) celebrating those who have survived; and 3) connecting those who work to end violence 

These three themes remain a key focus of DVAM events today. President Obama, in his DVAM 2015 proclamation, said:
Domestic violence impacts women, men, and children of every age, background, and belief. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States have suffered severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Victims are deprived of their autonomy, liberty, and security, and face tremendous threats to their health and safety. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we reaffirm our dedication to forging an America where no one suffers the hurt and hardship that domestic violence causes -- and we recommit to doing everything in our power to uphold the basic human right to be free from violence and abuse.

DVAM is especially meaningful to Family Service Madison and its network of supporters, as FSM is Dane County's largest treatment provider for batterers, and one of the largest domestic violence treatment providers in Wisconsin, offering comprehensive anti-violence treatment that embraces the entire family - children and adults, abusers,  victims and witnesses.

Annually, Dane County averages one incident of domestic abuse for every 150 people and one child abuse report for every 43 children in our county, so the services and special talents of FSM are vital to the safety of our neighborhoods and the strength and health of our families.

Our therapies and training help with the healing and they rebuild families torn apart -- but they also prevent future violence an
d abuse. While anti-violence programs nationwide typically see 40% to 60% of abusers abuse again, after therapy, FSM's 2014 rate was less than 5%. The people who complete our therapy programs give us an average satisfaction score of 9.04 out of 10.

The following are among FSM's domestic violence programs:
* Alternatives to Aggression is a certified domestic violence treatment program geared to intervene on physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by men toward their intimate partners. The group challenges and educates participants on the belief systems that serve to promote and perpetuate domestic violence in our culture.
* The Abuse Prevention Group for Women is for women who have been victims and have also used force toward their abusive partners. Group members work toward maximizing their safety, managing their anger, and interacting assertively.
* The Women Survivors of Domestic Abuse program is for women who are dealing with the effects of emotional and physical abuse by a current or former partner. The group focuses on safety planning, consequences of abuse, and healing from abuse.
* Parenting Paths is for parents and caregivers who have used excessive discipline techniques or are otherwise challenged with managing the behavior of their children. The group will focus on the growth and development of children, managing and expressing feelings, discipline techniques and setting limits.
* Parenting After Domestic Violence is one of FSM's lesser known, but still vitally important domestic violence-related programs. The program covers important parenting concepts such as appropriate expectations, empathy, and discipline.


Your continued support of our work is vital to building stronger families and safer homes and neighborhoods. Thank you: With your help, we're making a real difference.

FSM welcomes two new board members
FSM welcomes two new members to its leadership team -- Kaleem Caire and Richard Jones - both joining the FSM Board of Directors.

Kaleem is the founder and CEO of Achieve64, a business and community services firm dedicated to strengthening busines
Kaleem Caire
s by broadening the positive impact they have on
children, families, communities and their employees. He is also the founder and CEO of One City Early Learning Centers, a preschool designed to ensure children are reading-ready by kindergarten and that their parents have the knowledge, tools and ability to provide for them and lead strong families. Kaleem is also a columnist for The Capital Times

Richard is an attorney with the Wisconsin Public Defender's Office and former member of the 
Boys and Girls Club of Dane County Board of Directors.
Rick Jones
 He brings to FSM the benefit of his  undergraduate degree in economics, his Juris  Doctorate from Marquette University Law School,  his many years of teaching at the college level  and his wide professional and personal network.  Richard has held  leadership  position in more than  30 civic, professional and faith-based  organizations.

FSM extends a helping hand to another non-profit

FSM has agreed to provide executive leadership, strategic planning, development consultation and financial services to the Stillwaters Cancer Support Center of Waukesha.  Through a range of services and programs, Stillwaters nurtures and supports healing of the whole person - mind, body and spirit. At Stillwaters , patients, survivors, family members and caregivers find a safe place to express fears and anxiety and find positive ways to cope.

Help us build our extended family

FSM is building a database of past, current and potential supporters.  For some, we have only an email address.  You can help us by dropping us a note at russellk@fsmad.org and providing your name and street mailing address.  If you have family or friends who you think might also support FSM's important work in our community, please ask them to do the same.  Thank you!