Listen to Morgan Reed, a Youth Violence Prevention Advocate at DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services), talk about the resources and support DAIS can provide for UW–Madison students and others in the community.

Trancript:

Hi! My name is Morgan Reed, and I use she/her pronouns. I’m a Youth Violence Prevention Advocate at Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, or DAIS, located on the north side of Madison. For almost 50 years, DAIS has worked to empower those affected by domestic violence through support, education, and outreach. The outreach piece is what brings me to you in this Reflection series for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Thank you for tuning in! 

DAIS is dedicated to making Dane County a safer place for people impacted by domestic violence. We offer a wide range of crisis intervention and prevention programs, including legal advocacy, support groups, and emergency safety planning. We also operate the only homicide prevention shelter in Dane County. No matter what, we’re always available through our 24-hour Help Line and text line. 

My work with DAIS focuses on preventing intimate partner violence and fostering community awareness. We provide tailored training on intimate partner violence for a variety of groups—business professionals, UW medical students, Girl Scout troops, and more. 

So why am I, an advocate from DAIS, speaking to you at UW-Madison? Because DAIS is a resource for you—before, during, and after college. 

Let me illustrate this by telling you about Haley. Though she’s not a real person, her story reflects the experiences of those we work with at DAIS. Content warning for sexual violence and emotional abuse. 

Haley grew up in Madison and first encountered DAIS in high school during a health class presentation about teen dating violence. She also had a friend involved in MENS Club—or Men Encouraging Nonviolent Strength—a DAIS primary prevention program where male-identified youth discuss gender-based violence and how to be allies. 

At UW-Madison, Haley occasionally saw DAIS tabling at events like “Coffee and Consent,” learning that DAIS, like UHS, was a resource for students. But it wasn’t until her junior year that Haley truly considered reaching out. 

At that point, Haley’s boyfriend had grown possessive—getting jealous when she went out with friends, demanding her location, and manipulating her trust. More than once, Haley felt pressured into sex. Though uneasy, she blamed herself. It took her friend Brianna expressing concern and reminding her about DAIS for Haley to seek help. Together, they nervously called the Help Line. 

It took Haley a year to leave the relationship, but DAIS supported her every step of the way. They helped her create a safety plan for senior year and provided a tech clinic appointment to check if her ex was tracking her phone. Even after graduation, Haley used the DAIS text line for emotional support. 

Haley’s story is just one of many. Sexual violence and intimate partner violence remain prevalent during the college years. But support from DAIS isn’t limited to your time as a student. Our FREE and confidential services are available to anyone in Dane County. So, whether you’re lying awake at night reflecting on this series or currently feeling trapped in a relationship, DAIS is here for you. 

Wherever you are, whatever you do, remember: you are surrounded by survivors. But also remember, DAIS is a resource for you—always.