October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
This Project was built in the efforts to spread awareness and effective change. We hope this month we can continue our efforts with others as we recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
A New Tool For Victims
The HeadsUp project allows you to sign up for text messages to know when a person in jail will be released.
The intention is to inform victims and survivors, as there is no current dissemination of this information through current public services.
https://www.headsupmt.com/
Montana’s Need for Change
Lack of Penalties Allows Montana to Become a Safe Haven for Abusers
The most recent incident being the case of Christopher Wardle, who had multiple PMFA (partner family member assaults) on his record. Including strangling his wife who has now passed away. There is an ongoing investigation into her death due to the circumstances involving Wardle’s involvement.
The County Attorney Cromwell has signed a plea agreement that will never place Wardle behind bars for any of the charges.
This slap on the wrist becomes precedent for all future abusers to rely on to avoid the consequences of harming others.
Lack of Proper Training for Public 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.
This 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 .
Without understanding the behavioral patterns of abusers, such as strangulation and isolation, there is no way to prevent escalation. The escalation in question being homicide.
These cases of domestic violence leading to death are not uncommon for Montanan’s at this point. That is the unfortunate reality that has become accepted and continues.
General Public’s Response
With the death of Shawna Hart, the citizens of Montana are joining together to make change. Because it is not one individual lost, there are hundreds of families across the state facing these challenges.
Many advocacy and support groups have become more prevalent across the state, often being from grass roots or individuals seeing the need for change.
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.
Our Community Members, Our Neighbors, Our Friends and Family
All linked articles related to the loss of a life due to lack of DV education, and penalties for perpetrators.
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.
“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.