October is much more than just the month of Halloween and costumes. Around the world, October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is acknowledged every October and is a time to raise awareness for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
New Beginnings is one of hundreds of organizations created to help domestic violence victims. Based out of Walworth County, New Beginnings APFV is an outreach organization that works with victims in Walworth, Whitewater and Jefferson Counties, providing resources to all victims.
New Beginnings APFV provides support and services to people affected by any violent crime, including domestic abuse, sexual violence and human trafficking. In 2024, they helped over 2,700 people seeking to use their resources or hoping to share their situation with a professional.
New Beginnings began providing resources to victims 47 years ago. They strive to be an open organization that can provide aid to anyone and everyone who needs it. They offer several services to domestic violence victims who want to leave their situation, and to those who just want some information.
“Some of the things that we provide would be personal medical systems and legal advocacy,” special crime victims advocate Lisa Peach said. “We offer counseling and support groups, and we provide prevention education as well as community awareness in schools, workplaces and public events.”
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, New Beginnings participates in several local community events to raise awareness. In past years, they have offered self-defense classes, various community outreach programs and presentations at libraries and all levels of education.
For New Beginnings, October is all about awareness. The organization spreads their presence around the communities they are located in and educates the people about what they can provide them with.
“All the advocates do some sort of an awareness and a connection,” Peach said. “Sometimes that’s working with another agency, sometimes it’s just doing a community event. For me personally, I am reaching out and connecting with medical facilities in Jefferson County specifically.”
Crime victim advocate Tyler Surface will be hosting tables at UW-Whitewater and co-leading men’s talks with Katrice Hagenson.
Besides having a heavy presence in the community during Domestic Violence Awareness month, New Beginnings engages with the UW-W community as well. Peach commutes to the Ambrose Health Center weekly to work with staff members. She is also a resource for students to get help and gain information about their situation.
“One in every four women is a victim of interpersonal violence,” Peach said. “When you think about that, when you’re in a classroom setting, think about how many people that’s happening to, and you can’t see that visibly.”
With only 11 staff members, New Beginnings’ dedicated staff works constantly to help those in need and provide aid and resources, informing their communities and letting people know they are there for them whatever the circumstance.
“I want to give back to our community,” Surface said. “I also want to feel like I’ve made a difference in someone’s world. Even when our world can be extremely gray, I want to make it colorful.”
If you or anyone you know is being affected by domestic violence, reach out to New Beginnings at 262-723-4653 or at [email protected]. You can also visit the Ambrose Health Center on Mondays to talk with New Beginnings staff.