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
- 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 (2017)
- Enhancing the Revocation Process in Domestic Violence Cases Trainings (2020)
2024 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
- April 7. 2025
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, this workgroup is tasked with reviewing and updating the 2017 Domestic Abuse Guidebook for Wisconsin GALs.
Committee Members
- Kelsey MullinsKari 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
2024 Meetings and Materials
This workgroup meets as needed to complete the task assigned.
- May 13, 2024
- June 28, 2024
- July 12, 2024
- July 16, 2024
- August 14, 2024
- September 4, 2024
- September 23, 2024
- December 6, 2024
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
- Milly Gonzales
- Darald Hanusa
- Gillian Pagliaro
- Jaime Sathasivam
- Courtney Olson
- Tracy Plamann
- Terri Strodthoff
- Steve Thomas
- Shawn Smith
- Cassie Hitzman
- Marlys Howe
- Jolynn Woehrer
- Martha Brock
- Kevin Hamberger
- Kendra Ferron
- * Elizabeth Lucas
- Bennie Higgins
- Gary Zajc
- *Patrick Snyder
- Sam Hope
- Mary Lauby
- Kari LaScala
- Jenna Gormal
- Chris Taylor
- Joel Lewis
- Ann Kappauf
*annotates council members
2024 Meetings and Materials
This workgroup meets as needed to complete the task assigned.
- April 25, 2024
- June 27, 2024
- August 14, 2024
- September 26, 2024
- October 24, 2024
- January 23, 2025
- March 27, 2025
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
- 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
- Charles Vear
- Michelle Viste
- Dr. Neil Websdale
- Dana World-Patterson
- Nancy Yarbrough
- Karate Ashlee Zubeck
*annotates council members
2024 Meetings and Materials
This workgroup meets as needed to complete the task assigned.
- August 12, 2024 11am - 12pm
- September 9, 2024 | 11am - 12pm
- November 7, 2024 | 2pm - 3pm
- December 9, 2024 | 11am - 12pm
- January 13, 2025 | 11am - 12pm
- February 10, 2025 | 11am - 12pm
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.