Yellowstone County proclaims 16 Days of Activism; Zonta Club speakers urge action on domestic violence

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation at its Nov. 26 meeting recognizing Nov. 25 through Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.

Anne Heffner, a member of the Zonta Club of Billings, thanked commissioners for the proclamation and said it encourages community awareness and support for survivors. "By recognizing the 16 days of activism, our county sends a clear message that violence against women will not be tolerated," Heffner said.

Renee Coppock, also of the Zonta Club of Billings and a past international director for Zonta International, presented national and state statistics during public comment. She said, "On average, 140 women and girls per day were killed by an intimate partner or family member last year alone," and cited Montana Department of Justice data saying that since 2021 there have been 248 statewide deaths resulting from intimate‑partner homicide, 73% of whom were women; she also noted firearms accounted for 58% of the murder weapons. Coppock told the board that nearly 60% of reported crime in Yellowstone County is related to domestic violence.

The proclamation text included findings that gender violence occurs locally and globally, harms families and communities, and that Yellowstone County supports awareness and prevention work in partnership with organizations such as the Zonta Club of Billings. The board moved, seconded and adopted the proclamation as Resolution 24-156.

What happens next: the proclamation is a formal recognition intended to raise public awareness; speakers urged continued community education, bystander intervention, and policy-level supports for survivors.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 24-156 — approved (board voice vote; ayes recorded). Other administrative approvals at the meeting included approval of claims and an amended consent agenda with one finance easement item tabled.