Under the warm glow of city hall lights, the Sonoma City Council convened on September 29, 2025, to address pressing community issues, with a poignant focus on domestic violence awareness. Mayor Patricia Farrar Rivas opened the meeting by proclaiming October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a significant step in recognizing the pervasive impact of domestic violence in the community.

The proclamation highlighted alarming statistics, noting that one in four families in Sonoma is affected by domestic violence, a reality that resonates deeply within the community. The mayor emphasized the importance of safety in homes, stating, “We should all feel the most safe inside our own homes.” This sentiment was echoed by Stacy Quistoni, the Domestic Violence Services Manager at the YWCA Sonoma County, who accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization.

Quistoni shared the vital role the YWCA plays in the community, operating the only confidential safe house shelter and a 24/7 domestic violence crisis hotline in Sonoma County. She detailed the services provided, including trauma-informed therapy and support for children aged three to five, underscoring the organization's commitment to helping approximately 3,000 individuals each year.

The meeting took a somber turn as Quistoni reported a troubling increase in domestic violence incidents, with six cases this year resulting in the tragic loss of 15 lives—significantly higher than previous years. She urged the community to engage with YWCA programs and events to help combat this cycle of violence, reinforcing the message that collective awareness and action are crucial for change.

As the meeting concluded, the city council's proclamation served not only as a recognition of the issue but also as a call to action for the residents of Sonoma. The commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by domestic violence reflects a community united in the pursuit of safety and dignity for all its members.