The Governor's Council on Domestic Abuse The Governor's Council on Domestic Abuse was formed in 1979 under Wis. Stat. 15.207. The council advises the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the legislature on domestic abuse funding and policy issues. The council also serves as a sounding board and resource for citizens of the state on domestic abuse issues. Membership and Meetings The council consists of 13 members appointed for three-year terms. Of those 13 members, nine are nominated by the governor, and appointed with the advice and consent of the senate. The other members are designated, for appointment by the governor, by the speaker of the assembly, and the senate majority leader and the minority leader in each house of the legislature. Persons appointed have a recognized interest in and knowledge of domestic abuse issues. View Council Meetings & Members Committees The committees of the council work to make the issues of domestic abuse visible to the residents and policy makers of the state. Each committee plays an important role in accomplishing this mission by setting goals and priorities agreed upon by committee members. Access Committee This committee works to improve inclusivity and access to domestic abuse services by all group. View Access Committee Information Budget, Finance and Sustainability Committee This committee works to identify and address issues related to budget and financial sustainability of domestic abuse programs. View Budget, Finance and Sustainability Committee Information Legislative and Policy Committee This committee works to identify and research relevant policy issues that impact the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic violence and accountability for perpetrators. View Legislative and Policy Committee Information Questions? Do you have questions about the council or are interested in being a member of one of the committees? You can contact our council staff via email. Disclaimer about council content This content reflects the views and opinions of the council. It may not reflect the official policy or position of DCF. Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Domestic Abuse Issues Each year, numerous individuals and organizations in Wisconsin work for safety, empowerment and justice for victims of domestic abuse and their children. Survivors play an especially important role in the on-going fight against domestic violence. In recognition of these tremendous efforts, the Council has established the annual Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Domestic Abuse Issues. The three awards include: The Sharon Lewandowski Justice Award recognizes an individual or an organization for outstanding accomplishment in promoting safety, empowerment and justice for victims of domestic abuse and their children. The Courage Award honors a survivor who has overcome adversity. The award will go to a victim of domestic abuse who has had the courage to survive, has empowered themselves, and serves as an inspiration for others. The award recipient may have helped other victims and survivors through the promotion of greater self-determination and empowerment, worked to raise community awareness of domestic abuse, or has helped others overcome abuse. The Patricia J. Waschbisch Legacy Award for Lifetime Achievement honors an individual who has provided consistent and exceptional services to many survivors of domestic abuse over the course of a career and who has promoted a vision of ending violence and achieving social justice. The award ceremony is typically held at the Capitol in early October. Please check out the list of past award winners.
