Color Run brings awareness to issue of domestic violence

By Tanya Kessen



The Ho-Chunk Nation Domestic Abuse Division held its 2nd Annual Color Fun Run on Saturday, October 14th beginning and ending at TOB. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and this event was created last year to bring awareness to the issue of Domestic Violence in our communities.
Futures without Violence reports that more than one in three Native women will be raped during their lifetime. In addition, a study by the Department of Justice reported that domestic violence assaults on Native women happen at rates far exceeding women of other ethnicities and assaults on Native women are 50% higher than the next most victimized demographic.
The Ho-Chunk Nation is no exception to these statistics which is why the Domestic Abuse Division works diligently to raise awareness, by educating the community through our various events and presentations and by getting the word out that there is help available to victims and survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence.
This year’s Color Run had a total of 129 runners and 24 volunteers. In addition to speaking on Domestic Violence, the staff spoke a few words to honor the late Kathryn “Sage” Montana, Domestic Abuse Advocate, who passed away April 2, 2017. Sage was extremely passionate about working in the field of Domestic Abuse and enjoyed serving the Ho-Chunk people. Sage’s family made the trip from the Twin Cities to be a part of the event.
Closing, by Tanya Kessen, Domestic Abuse Division Director:
The only way to end DV in our communities is to stand in solidarity with our survivors and speak out against DV until the abusers know it is not and will not be tolerated. Together our voices are strong and will be heard.
We couldn’t do it without all of your support, so THANK YOU from all of us in the Domestic Abuse Division!




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