Hands for Peace - January 2009

Ann and Chris, two of PAVE's Advocates have been traveling around Dodge County offering a the Hands for Peace program to area schools. Above is a photo of the fine work of some First Graders at Hustisford schools. Thank you for having us. If you are interested in having Ann and Chris at your school, please call our business line at 920-887-3810.

Successful Fundraising Effort to End 2008!

PAVE successfully raised over $28,000 to end 2008. With the help of our community and some very generous donors we helped bring our budget back on track. PAVE provided twice as many nights of shelter in 2008 as we did in 2007 and we are looking at high numbers already in the first month of 2009. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that when there is high economic strain, the rate of intimate partner violence more than triples. We think this may have something to do with the numbers we are seeing in shelter.

Thank you to everyone that helped make our fundraising a success!

Wisconsin Domestic Homicide Report

The Wisconsin Domestic Homicide Report (WDHC) became public on October 1, 2008. Domestic Violence claimed 67 lives in Wisconsin during 2006 and 2007.  This figure includes 14 victims that were children. Fortunately for Dodge County, there were no domestic homicides in 2006. However, 2007 brought Dodge County the Sherry Asbury tragedy. According to the WDHC, Sherry was strangled and beaten by her estranged husband, Jeff, in the village municipal building. Jeff was found guilty of first degree reckless homicide after a no-contest plea. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison and 15 years extended supervision. This unfortunate situation reminds us all how important it is to support victims and to diligently work to make sure domestic violence is not our culture in Dodge County.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is here!

We are now a week into our county-wide efforts to increase awareness about Domestic Violence this October. At the beginning of the month, we distributed purple ribbons, posters, table tents and event calendars all across Dodge County - you should be able to find them at many locations. If you cannot, contact PAVE and we can mail materials to you. We hope you will join us in wearing a purple ribbon this month to signify that you believe Domestic Violence is not our culture.  We also had a good deal of fun recording our public service announcements at WXRO/WBEV - thanks to them for putting the word out and thanks to our volunteers that assisted in the taping.

Last week we had our Elder Abuse event in Juneau and showed a powerful video that displayed five case studies of individuals that were victims of abuse at the hands of their lifetime spouses, children and co-parents. It was very sad to watch, but also motivated our staff to push forward with outreach to this particularly isolated group.

Next week is our new support group for family and friends effected by domestic abuse and sexual assault at Beaver Dam Community Library. The group meets Monday night...contact our Case Manager for the time.

Check our calendar of events on the website for more information about upcoming events or call PAVE to learn how we can bring awareness to your group.

Karaoke Event Thank Yous!

PAVE would like to extend a big THANKS to Supercharged Karaoke, Johnny's Lounge and The Cellar for participating in our Karaoke Fundraising event - we hope to make it even bigger and better next year!

Thanks to the Vineyard and inmate artists!

A big THANKS to the Vineyard Coffee Shop and inmate artists that made our art sale fundraiser possible. Please stop by the Vineyard before August 25th to view and support this event.

It's Fundraising Season at PAVE

Our staff and volunteers wrapped up a successful- although rainy -brat fry fund raiser at Rechek's Food Pride in Beaver Dam. We are now focusing on our Dodge County Karaoke Contest and Inmate Art Show and Auction at the Vineyard. Call PAVE if you are interested in either of these events! More to come soon!