The statistics are shocking. On average, in the United States an intimate partner physically abuses nearly 20 people per minute. This equates to more than 10 million women and men per year. One (1) in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year, and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence, according to NCADV, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
In 2013, Becca Berkenstadt learned about these statistics when she provided pro bono marketing services to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS.) DAIS was founded in 1977 in Dane County, Wisconsin, and works to ensure the safety and well-being of domestic violence survivors and their families. DAIS’s mission is to empower those affected by domestic violence and advocate for social change through support, education and outreach that actively promotes safety, peace, justice and hope.
DAIS offers a wide array of crisis intervention and community education/prevention programs, including a 24-hour Help Line, programming for children from violent homes, legal advocacy, support groups, emergency safety planning, and the only domestic violence shelter for all of Dane County. The shelter offers 56 beds and space for DAIS programming.
Since 2013, Becca has been actively involved in fundraising efforts by participating in DAIS’s annual Fashion Show, held at the Overture Arts Center in Madison. All clothing is donated and women in the community model in the show. Several other fundraising initiatives take place each year, including a Celebrate Independence! Luncheon, which honors survivors and the advocates that supported them, as well as an annual Golf Outing. All of these events raised more than $230,000 in 2019.
With the unforeseen circumstances of the pandemic, DAIS launched a new online campaign, Operation Resilience, to keep the organization serving in the community.
According to Becca, “I learned so much from DAIS - about domestic abuse and how it can ripple through the family itself, the community and future generations if help is not provided.”
Becca feels strongly in giving back to part of the community where she grew up and each year donates five percent of Worldly Strategies’ profits to DAIS. “The people that are part of DAIS are very loving, positive and supporting of their clients,” says Becca. “I was drawn to their positive attitude and ability to create change in the world.”
DAIS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information about DAIS or to make a donation, visit https://abuseintervention.org/make-a-donation/
Guest Blog by Alyssa Burns
Alyssa Burns is a writer, connector and advisor. She works with entrepreneurs and small business owners to create powerful content that tells a story, resonates with readers, and increases sales.
Worldly Strategies often partners with Alyssa Burns Communications to create lead-generating and aesthetically pleasing websites.