John,

While we're all doing our part to limit the spread of this virus by practicing social distancing, I still remain concerned for the health and safety of others. In particular, those who are not feeling safe at home.

Before becoming an attorney and legislator, I worked as a domestic violence advocate at the local YWCA. That work left a big impression on me. I was inspired by my work helping families and children escape domestic violence, and wanting to have a larger impact, I attended the University of Montana School of Law, and later studied public health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, focusing on improving the health of large populations and protecting children from sexual abuse.

I have firsthand experience in helping victims of domestic violence. As an attorney, I fought for the safety of domestic violence survivors I represented. And as a prosecutor, I held abusers accountable in the criminal justice system. As a legislator, I supported re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act, and I expanded the definition of domestic violence to include same-sex couples and strengthened the legal definition of "consent" to empower survivors of sexual assault.

While we've taken many steps to address domestic violence in Montana, so much more has to be done. And at this time when we are instructed to stay home, doing so might feel more dangerous than getting sick.

If you have to stay at home because of COVID-19 and you do not feel safe, there is help. You are not alone, and help is available.

You can call a national hotline for support 24/7:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) OR TTY: 1-800-787-3224
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Montana has many domestic violence support programs in different regions you can call for help. You can find your local program's contact information at https://mcadsv.com/about/victim-service-programs-by-region/

Every day, I work to protect victims of domestic violence, and I will make that a priority as Montana’s next Attorney General.

Be safe and be well,

Kimberly Dudik