JACKSON, Wyo. — On Monday, Oct. 7, Mayor Hailey Morton Levinson proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encouraged all Jackson residents to be part of the solution by pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence.
“We are all advocates, and we all play a role in creating a community which doesn’t tolerate violence,” Morton Levinson read in the proclamation. “Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects all individuals — adults and children — disrupts communities, destroys relationships and families.”
The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that 10 million people are victimized
by domestic violence each year, with less than half of all such crimes actually thought to be reported.
According to the Town of Jackson, in a single day in 2023, 178 victims of domestic violence were served in Wyoming and 108 hotline calls took place across the state. In the same 24 hours, 89 adult and child victims of domestic violence found refuge in emergency shelters, transitional housing or other housing provided by local domestic violence programs. Additionally, 89 adult and child victims received non-residential assistance and services, including counseling, legal advocacy, children’s support groups and more.
Teton County Victim Services, the Community Safety Network (CSN), the Wyoming
Division of Victim Services and the Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault encourages community leaders, co-workers, friends and loved ones to take a personal pledge to end domestic violence.
In observation of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the CSN has put together an exhibit called “Dear Survivor,” which features hundreds of notes of support to survivors of domestic violence. The exhibit is held in the Teton County Library’s gallery space, and will remain in place for the month of October.
