Yellowstone County proclaims Nov. 25–Dec. 10 as 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence

The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted a proclamation Wednesday declaring Nov. 25 through Dec. 10 as the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.

Commissioner Jones read the proclamation, citing the Montana Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission's 2023 report noting a 6% statewide increase in domestic-violence cases from 2016–2020 and reporting that more than 30 violent domestic incidents resulted in 48 deaths statewide during 2019–2021. The proclamation also noted that four women in Yellowstone County were reported as intimate-partner homicide victims in the 2020–2021 period.

The proclamation followed remarks from Anne Heffeneiter, a member of the Zonta Club of Billings, who described the organization's work to elevate the status of women and urged prevention through legislation, earlier intervention, mental‑health counseling and education. Heffeneiter cited a local homicide, naming Jennifer McCollum and summarizing media and fatality‑review reporting on the 05/19/2020 killing as an example of private‑family violence that often does not make headlines.

Commissioner Jones moved to approve "resolution 23-122" (the proclamation); the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board urged citizens to support local advocacy and services during the 16 days of activism. No additional action or funding was adopted at the meeting; the proclamation is primarily an awareness and encouragement measure.