By Alyssa Theder
Domestic Abuse Intervention Services

One in four women and one in seven men will experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) exists because we have to, and because of this, we work to empower those affected by domestic violence and advocate for social change through support, education and outreach. DAIS offers a wide array of crisis intervention programs, including a 24-hour helpline, programming for children from violent homes, legal advocacy, support groups, emergency safety planning and the only domestic violence shelter for all of Dane County. We also offer primary prevention and community awareness and education programs.

Everyone is affected by domestic violence in some way, so it is our responsibility as a community to advocate for and support those who are experiencing violence in their relationships. A longtime DAIS volunteer described her experience like this: “I see volunteering with DAIS as an opportunity to be a lifeline for people who might otherwise feel powerless and alone. We are stronger together than any of us are on our own.”

Here are ways you can support the work of DAIS and make sure survivors have the resources they need to live their best lives.

Volunteer: DAIS offers a variety of volunteer opportunities from working directly with clients to sharing our mission at community events. Our client-based volunteers provide life-saving services as help line advocates, children’s advocates, community response advocates, support group facilitators and shelter chefs. Our community-based volunteers use their professional skills to serve as career specialists, salon volunteers, front desk receptionists and DAIS ambassadors.

Host a donation drive: Host a donation drive in your neighborhood or workplace to collect essential items for our shelter residents (personal hygiene products, pajamas for women, men and children, and body wash).

Adopt a family: Each year during the holiday season, community members are matched with a DAIS family that has used our services in the past year and provide them with items from their wish list. Wish list items include gift cards for clothing, household items and other gifts and toys for children.

Make a Financial Donation: Over half of our budget each year is funded by donations from generous members of the community. Your gift helps keep our doors open for survivors of domestic violence 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

By supporting DAIS in our work to empower those affected by domestic violence and advocate for social change, you are joining a movement of survivors and allies that are working toward justice for victims of domestic violence across the country and worldwide. For more information on how to get involved, visit abuseintervention.org or email Alyssa at alyssat@abuseintervention.org.