Legislative and Policy Committee The Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse works to make the issue of domestic abuse visible to the residents and policy makers of the State of Wisconsin. The Legislative and Policy Committee of the Governor’s Council plays an important role in accomplishing this mission. The Committee’s work focuses on the following goals: To address issues of justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators in the criminal, civil and family law systems. To monitor and respond to legislation related to the justice and other systems. To proactively identify and research relevant policy issues that impact the safety and well-being of survivors of domestic violence and accountability for perpetrators. Committee Members Members represent a diverse group of people from around the state, council and non-council members alike. Current members include: Elizabeth Lucas* Virginia Escudero* Shawn Balke Jan Bruder Krystal Chase Samantha Collier Karate Zubek Brenda Frasser* Kelsey Mullins Jenna Gormal Jessica Honish Marlys Howe Shannon Jarecki Ann Kappauf Kari LaScala Julie Valadez Donna Meiselwitz Courtney Olson Olivia Olszewski Jaime Sathasivam Bronson Stein Kaitlin Thorpe Holly U'Ren *annotates council members Activities The Legislation and Policy Committee has assisted in the research and development numerous council deliverables, including: Domestic Abuse Guidebook for Wisconsin Guardian Ad Litem (2025) Enhancing the Revocation Process in Domestic Violence Cases Trainings (2020) 2025 Meetings and Materials The Legislation and Policy Committee meets at least four times per year: February, April, June, and October. Additional meetings may be scheduled by the committee co-chairs. February 10, 2025 Public Meeting Notice & Agenda Meeting Minutes April 7. 2025 Public Meeting Notice & Agenda Committee Workgroups Periodically, standing committees of the Governor’s Council may form workgroups to accomplish specific tasks. Workgroups meet at the discretion of the team to complete the assigned task. The workgroup facilitator reports back at the Committee level for support and guidance. Domestic Abuse Guidebook for Wisconsin Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Formed in May 2024 and completed in December 2024, this workgroup was tasked with reviewing and updating the 2017 Domestic Abuse Guidebook for Wisconsin GALs. Committee Members Kelsey Mullins Kari LaScala Amber Peterson Gricel Santiago Rivera Virginia Gittens Escudero * Lynn Cook Tegan Swanson Krystal Chase Bronson Stein Kaitlin Thorpe Jessica Honish Jennifer Parker Amy Vannieuwenhoven *annotates council members Domestic Abuse Treatment Standards Review Formed in February 2022, this workgroup is tasked with reviewing and updating the Wisconsin Batterer’s Treatment Standards. Committee Members Darald Hanusa Jaime Sathasivam Courtney Olson Tracy Plamann Terri Strodthoff Steve Thomas Shawn Smith Courtney Stewart Julie Valadez Cassie Hitzman Marlys Howe Jolynn Woehrer Martha Brock Kevin Hamberger Kendra Ferron Bennie Higgins Gary Zajc *Patrick Snyder Sam Hope Mary Lauby Kari LaScala Jenna Gormal Chris Taylor Joel Lewis Melony Hansen *annotates council members 2025 Meetings and Materials This workgroup meets as needed to complete the task assigned. January 23, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes March 27, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes April 24, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes May 22, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes June 26, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes July 24, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes September 25, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes October 23, 2025 Public Notice Meeting Minutes November 21, 2025 Public Notice Fatality Review Initiative Formed in July 2022, this workgroup is tasked with developing and implementing a domestic violence fatality review commission in Wisconsin. Committee Members Katie Aldrich Skye Alloway Denise Armstrong Jessica Honish Buck Blodgett Leanna Liska Michelle Coppens Holland Dvorek Andrea Ehret *Virginia Gittens Escudero Miriam Falk Leah Forlenza *Brenda Frasser Jenna Gormal Deanna Grundl Dr. L. Kevin Hamberger Natalie Hayden Serenity Holbrook Marlys Howe Nela Kalpic Susie Kanack Constance Kostelac Dr. Autumn Lacy Amelia Levett Haley Liptow Stephanie Prevost *Elizabeth Lucas Sherri Mahmoud Dr. Mallory O’Brien Gabrielle O’Keefe Courtney Olson Amy Parry Mark Perkovich Kelsey Mullins John Rice Jaime Sathasivam Zanovia McKinley Suzie Schoenhoft Dr. Terri Strodthoff Jessica Trauth Julie Valadez Charles Vear Michelle Viste Dr. Neil Websdale Dana World-Patterson Nancy Yarbrough Karate Ashlee Zubeck *annotates council members 2025 Meetings and Materials This workgroup meets as needed to complete the task assigned. January 13, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes February 10, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes April 14, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes May 12, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes July 14, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes September 8th, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes October 13th, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes November 10th, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice Meeting Minutes December 8th, 2025 | 11am - 12pm Public Notice These dates may change due to unforeseen issues. All council meetings will be noticed at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting per Wis. Stat. § 19.84(3). To view meeting materials from prior years, please visit the Governor's Council on Domestic Abuse - Past Meeting Materials content. 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.
