Sadly, Domestic Violence on the Rise in our County.
Your donation supports families who come to us for safety.
Dear Friend,
Today, I’m sharing the devastating news of a marked increase in domestic violence incidents and deaths of local Sonoma County residents for this calendar year. Sadly, thus far in 2025, there have been 6 incidents of domestic violence, which have included the loss of life of 15 individuals. Nationally and locally, domestic violence-related homicide and suicide rates are on the rise.
For YWCA Sonoma County, we remain steadfast and committed to our vital and singular role providing Sonoma County’s ONLY 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline, 707-546-1234, answered from within the walls of the County’s ONLY confidential Safe House shelter, a refuge for families fleeing violence in the place where we should all feel the safest: inside our own homes.
For us, an additional major concern is for the children who witness domestic violence, including recent cases where children were present at the time of their mother’s homicide at the hands of their father.
In the face of this crisis, YWCA stands as Sonoma County’s lifeline for survivors of domestic violence. We provide emergency shelter, safety planning, crisis counseling, and long-term support to help survivors rebuild their lives. But we cannot do it alone.
Your support ensures that:
A victim of DV has a safe place to sleep tonight.
A child traumatized by violence receives counseling.
Survivors are heard and believed.
Given our singular and vital role in Sonoma County, when danger strikes, we are the first – and often the only – place survivors can turn to.
Please give today. Together we can provide a future without violence for every family in need.
Warmly,
Madeleine Keegan O’Connell, Chief Executive Officer
“Before I got to the Safe House, my baby was having a hard time breathing, sleeping, and eating. Now he sleeps, eats, smiles, and is progressing so much more.”
– Melissa, Mom to Noah*
*The names have been changed to ensure confidentiality*
CONFIDENTIAL SAFE HOUSE | COUNSELING SUPPORT SERVICES | DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS HOTLINE 707-546-1234