Honor mothers by helping those who are victims of abuse

Families across Douglas County will celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday.

At the Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse Inc., the holiday has added significance.

For mothers and children fleeing domestic violence, Mother’s Day is a time to be thankful for the courage and strength it has taken to escape and to hope cautiously for better days ahead.

“Many of the women we serve are mothers and many of those mothers have their children with them,” said Dana Doyle, Shelter Program director. “Mother’s Day is a time when we remember all of the things our mothers have done for us throughout our lives. The mothers who have sought refuge at CASDA have all undertaken incredible acts of survival to give their children better lives.”

CASDA offers shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and other assistance to families who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The agency also works to provide counseling specifically to children who have been exposed to domestic violence.

The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which deals with domestic abuse on a statewide level, says the presence of children at CASDA is not unique. Last year, domestic abuse programs in Wisconsin provided shelter to 3,200 children; children are almost half of all the residents at domestic violence shelters across the state. In all cases, the children are accompanying their parent — most often, their mother — who is a victim of domestic violence.

“To effectively serve a victim of domestic violence, advocates also have to serve the non-abusive members of her immediate family,” said Patti Seger, executive director of WCADV. “In most cases, that means ensuring the needs of the victim’s children are met.”

Doyle hopes that this Mother’s Day will be a positive one for the mothers and children at CASDA.

“Our clients have been through so much pain, fear and heartache,” said Doyle. “Our goal for this Mother’s Day is simple: that every victim has a safe Mother’s Day, filled with love, compassion and healing.” CASDA knows its life-changing and life-saving work is only possible with the help of the community.

Anyone who would like to make a donation or volunteer should contact Doyle at (715) 392-3136.

“A few of our supporters donate or give time in honor of their mothers,” said Doyle. “Their generosity helps mothers who are survivors build healthy, violence-free lives for themselves and their children.”

Tags: news, family, health