Spreading Awareness

If you are wondering why there are purple lighted candles in windows around town, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and North East Wyoming Advocacy Resource Center, formally FOCUS, has asked businesses and other organizations to “Shine a light. Show your Support.” Displaying the candle in a visible business window throughout October is a symbol of support, hope and remembrance. 

DVAM is a chance for victims, advocates, supporters and political leaders to unite, show support and raise awareness about this critical issue.

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by one person to gain control over an intimate partner or family member, which includes more than physical harm. Several forms of other mistreatment are sexual abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, economic and financial abuse and coercive control.

Domestic violence services tallied for one day in September 2025 in Wyoming are telling.    

According to the 20th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report Wyoming Summary (nnedv.org) on Sept. 10, 2025, 21 out of 21 identified violence programs in Wyoming participated in National Network to End Domestic Violence Domestic Violence Counts Survey: a one-day, unduplicated count of adults and children seeking domestic violence services. 

These programs shared the following figures about services they provided during the 24-hour survey period:

176 victims served:115 adults and children found refuge in shelters, motels or other housing, with 61 adults and children receiving nonresidential supportive services such as transportation, housing support, legal support, therapy and more. 

117 hotline contacts: Programs’ hotlines received 117 contacts, averaging nearly 5 contacts per hour. 

14 people-educated programs provided: 2 educational sessions and training to 14 members of the public. 

11 unmet requests for services: Programs were unable to meet 11 requests for help because they lacked sufficient resources. Approximately 9% of these unmet requests were for emergency shelter.

More people in this community may be in domestic violence situations. It is important that they know where to receive help when in need.

Newcastle’s NEWARC 24/7 Crisis Line is 307-746-2748 and the Sundance NEWARC Crisis Line is 307-283-2415 or email ccfvdirector@gmail.com. The National Crisis Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.