The Need For Change
A Mother. A Community Member. Now Gone.
Shawna Hart, a mother of six, was the victim of domestic violence.
It took her life.
General Public’s Response
With the death of Shawna Hart, the citizens of Montana are joining together to make change.
Many advocacy and support groups have become more prevelant across the state
The website includes some of these mental health and other support resources. This includes the Yellowstone Sex Trafficking Task Force, Domestic Violence Underground Railroad, and Catalyst for Change.
More to be added.
Lack of proper training for officials and officers creates negative life changing consequences on those seeking assistance for domestic violence
It is across the state. From Flathead county to Custer and everywhere in between.
There is a glaring problem that continues to harm all Montana citizens. It is the judicial officials, social service workers, and law enforcement being improperly or completely uneducated on the complex and dangerous dynamics of domestic violence .
These cases of domestic violence leading to death are not uncommon for Montanan’s at this point. That is the unfortunate reality as all of these news articles show.
Domestic Violence Fatality Review Committee 2025 Report
It is made very clear that the primary recommendations are focused on ensuring that services in all jurisdictions have the proper training to ensure the safety of all parties.
This training would implement mandatory usage of Risk Assessments, allowing officers to mitigate risk by understanding the situation fully before making decisions.
This Committee also recommends stronger efforts to prosecute felony firearm violations and firearm possessions. DVFR reports that 51% of IPH (Intimate Partner Homicide) within Montana, from 2022-2024, included a gun.
There needs to be an increase in the penalties for violating an order of protection, and especially so for repeat offenders. These relationships have a pattern of escalation in abuse and repeated violations have limited to no consequences as it stands.
Important Dates
All information regarding location and remote access will be in the calendar as it becomes available.
May 5th Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee Meeting
The Project hopes to work with the Interim Committee to implement trainings that teach about the dynamics and risks associated with domestic violence.
We are excited to hear what the current plans are for the upcoming legislative session.
May 12th Billings City Council Workgroup
This Workgroup was created after the mass public appearance at the Billings City Council Meeting on April 27th, 2026. The turn out was due to the recent death of Shawna Hart. Citizens are demanding change to the system that failed her and so many other victims.
The Project plans on presenting the trainings we have been promoting, as well as connecting with other advocacy organizations to enact positive change.
May 13th MJA meeting
This meeting is being held in Glasgow, Montana.
The Project will be attending in person, and we invite any and all others who would like to show support.
We plan to reintroduce the trainings that hold immense value to the judicial officials and officers who face domestic violence case regularly.
“We Montanan’s see the streams, minerals and land as our best resource, but it is the children of MT that are our most valuable resource. Protecting our children is the most important thing we can do for our future” - Inspired by Rep. Gene Donaldson
Legislative Session 2025
The Project works as a nonpartisan group aiming for protection of the children and families in the state.
A Resource for All Montanan Families
Our goal is to educate, network, and help foster growth in both our judiciary system and families across the state.