DANE COUNTY, Wis. — On Thursday, April 16, 2026, the Dane County Board of Supervisors officially recognized April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Awareness Month. The board passed 2025 RES-428 to mark this observance and honor the strength, resilience, and courage of survivors.
Sexual violence remains a widespread public health and safety issue in Dane County, the State of Wisconsin, and across the United States, with more than 53 percent of women and over 29 percent of men reporting experiences of sexual violence. About 1.2 million Wisconsinites have experienced sexual violence in their lifetimes, with women of color and LGBTQ individuals being disproportionately affected.
Child abuse and neglect also remain critical concerns in Dane County. In 2024, there were 1,323 Child Protective Services reports and 196 children were identified as victims of substantiated maltreatment.
“Sexual violence and child abuse affect every part of our community, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. Every survivor deserves to have their dignity respected and their voice heard on their own terms,” said Supervisor Richelle Andrae (District 11), who read the resolution. “I appreciate the critical work of organizations across the county, like The Rainbow Project, DaneMAC, and so many others, who contribute to the healing and recovery of survivors, along with families, friends, and support networks. I see you and hear you.”
The board recognized the work of local organizations that play vital roles in supporting survivors and strengthening families. The Dane County Multi Agency Center (DaneMAC) provides trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual violence, ensuring dignity and respect throughout the reporting and healing process. The Rainbow Project delivers individualized prevention, early intervention, and therapeutic services for young children and families who have experienced trauma, strengthening parent-child relationships and fostering resilient communities.
“We are honored that the Dane County Board has chosen to highlight our organization’s efforts to make it easier for survivors in our community to get connected with post-assault support services, on their terms, whenever and wherever they want it,” said Rachel Sattler, co-founder and co-president of DaneMAC. “More importantly, we appreciate the board’s affirmation of the persistent, urgent need for meaningful action—at every level of our community—to address the public health crisis that is sexual violence.”
The Dane County Board of Supervisors reaffirms its commitment to advancing justice, equity, and public safety by supporting survivors, strengthening families, promoting prevention efforts, and partnering with local organizations, advocates, and service providers working to end sexual violence and child abuse and promote healing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, help is available. Call or text the Dane County RCC 24-Hour Helpline at (608) 251-7273 or visit https://www.thercc.org/ for confidential support and resources. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Dane County Department of Human Services Child Protective Services Division at (608) 261-5437. If you or someone you know is in danger, call or text 911.
