Sonoma proclaims October 2025 Domestic Violence Awareness Month; YWCA Sonoma County receives proclamation

Mayor Patricia Farrar Rivas read a proclamation designating October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month for the City of Sonoma and presented it to Stacy Quistoni, domestic violence services manager for YWCA Sonoma County, during the Sept. 29 council meeting.

Quistoni described YWCA Sonoma County as the county’s primary domestic-violence service provider and gave local service statistics. "On average, the YWCA Sonoma County serves approximately 3,000 individuals in need per year," Quistoni said. She added that the client population served by the YWCA is "90% female, 51% identify as Hispanic, Latinx, 23% are children, and 4% are seniors," and that 14% of clients who come to the shelter are homeless at intake.

Quistoni also told the council that Sonoma County experienced six incidents of domestic violence resulting in the loss of life for 15 individuals so far that year, a rise she contrasted with prior years.

Why it matters: The proclamation is a formal recognition by the city to raise awareness of domestic violence and to highlight local services, including…