DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc.

) mission is to empower those affected by domestic violence and

advocate for social change through support, education and outreach. DAIS operates the Countys only domestic violence
shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, emergency safety planning, support groups, childrens programming and
primary prevention and education programs. www.abuseintervention.org


For Immediate Release
Contact:
Shannon Barry, 608-251-1237, ext. 307
608-630-0687 (cell)
Emily Barnes, 608-338-0065




Victims of Domestic Violence Need Support

September 9, 2014, Madison, WI The recently released video of Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice
assaulting his then fianc Janay Rice and the subsequent statement from Ms. Rice underscores that
domestic victims live in a complex environment of fear and intimidation. Victims of domestic violence
need support regardless of what they may say or do after an incident of abuse.

It can be unsettling for people to hear that a victim would defend her abuser in a situation where there
is a video of the abuse, said Shannon Barry, DAIS Executive Director. Whats important to
remember is that domestic violence is a complex system of power and control and abusers use fear
tactics and isolation to align themselves with their victims. Victims often fear retaliation for standing up
against their abuser, and often they are forced to believe that no one will support them if they do.

Domestic violence often escalates in cases where the abuser has lost some form of power, be it a loss of
a job or status in the community. A victim in this situation may defend her/his abuser and ask for
privacy as way to protect herself/himself against future abuse. It is critical that victims are supported
and provided with appropriate resources so that they do not feel further isolated or blamed for the abuse.

In Dane County, domestic violence victims or concerned friends or family members can reach out to
DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc.) for help. DAIS is the leading provider of direct
services to survivors of domestic abuse in Dane County. It operates the only 24-hour domestic violence
hotline and emergency domestic violence shelter in Dane County, providing emergency safety planning
and support to people facing life-threatening situations. Services are available for non-English speakers.
The 24 hour crisis line number is (608) 251-4445. DAIS also provides legal advocacy services,
support groups, and programming and support to children of victims who access our services.

To speak with a DAIS representative about the dynamics of domestic violence, please contact Shannon
Barry, DAIS Executive Director, at (608) 251-1237, ext. 307, or Emily Barnes, DAIS Director of
Development and Communications, at (608) 338-0065.