Bolton Refuge House

10/15/2026

Not every red flag is obvious.

Healthy relationships are built on trust and respect, not fear and control. If someone's behavior consistently makes you feel like you have to change what you do, who you see, or how you act to keep them happy, that's worth paying attention to.

10/06/2026

Today, we remember and honor the life and service of Officer Robert “Bob” Paul Bolton.

Forty-four years ago, on October 6, 1982, Eau Claire Police Officer Bob Bolton was shot and killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call at our shelter, then known as Refuge House. Officer Bolton was 28 years old, a husband, a father of two young children, and a four-year veteran of the police department—a career he had dreamed of pursuing for as long as he could remember.

Bob responded to this call to protect people he had never met who were seeking safety. He gave his life doing exactly that.

Five years later, in 1987, our agency was renamed from Refuge House to Bolton Refuge House in Officer Bolton’s honor and legacy. We don’t take that name lightly. Officer Bolton’s badge, #138, remains retired by the Eau Claire Police Department in his honor, and his legacy lives on in the work that we do.

This year, Bolton Refuge House marks 50 years of serving survivors of domestic violence in Eau Claire, Jackson, and Buffalo counties. For five decades, we’ve offered safety, support, and hope to people at some of the hardest moments of their lives. Every survivor who walks through our doors is part of Officer Bolton’s legacy.

"Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his fellow man."

Thank you, Officer Bolton. We will never forget.

10/05/2026

Bolton Refuge House is excited to welcome Tammy King as our new Executive Director!

Tammy brings more than 25 years of nonprofit and human services leadership throughout Western Wisconsin to our organization. Her career has been dedicated to supporting individuals and families navigating significant challenges, including disabilities, mental health, housing instability, and other barriers to safety and self-sufficiency.

She is known for her collaborative leadership, trauma-informed approach, and deep commitment to the communities we serve. Her longstanding connection to Bolton Refuge House and familiarity with our mission bring a unique perspective as we move into this next chapter.

Tammy shares "I am honored to join Bolton Refuge House and look forward to building on the important work already happening to support survivors and strengthen our communities."

We are excited for the experience, compassion, and leadership she brings to our organization, and we look forward to the work ahead as we continue supporting survivors, strengthening partnerships, and building safer communities across Western Wisconsin!

Welcome to our organization, Tammy! 💜

10/01/2026

As we recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this data from End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community forever changed. Awareness is important, but action, prevention, and survivor-centered support saves lives.

101 people died in domestic violence-related incidents in Wisconsin in 2025.

101 people whose lives mattered.

101 deaths that affected families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and communities across our state.

As we begin Domestic Violence Awareness Month, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin is sharing this one-page look at findings from our 2026 Wisconsin Domestic Violence Homicide Report, documenting deaths that occurred in 2025.

The numbers tell us where we need to pay attention.

72% of domestic violence deaths involved a fi***rm. When a gun was used in a domestic violence assault, the assault was 12 times more likely to result in death.

17 harm-doers died by su***de, reinforcing why homicidality and suicidality cannot be treated as entirely separate concerns in domestic violence prevention.

Three people were killed while attempting to help a victim.

And older survivors remain too often left out of the conversation.
19 victims were age 50 or older in 2025.
And across the last five years? 84 people age 50+ were killed; 26% of all victims during that period.

But this report is about more than counting deaths.

It asks us to look at the patterns surrounding them: threats to kill, weapon threats, stalking, strangulation, obsessive jealousy, sexual assault, fi***rm access, and other indicators of escalating danger.

And it asks Wisconsin to consider a different question...

Survivors are often asked:
“Why didn’t they leave sooner?”

We need to ask just as urgently:
Did our systems make leaving possible?
Were services available and accessible?
Were fi***rm prohibitions enforced?
Were signs of escalating lethality recognized?
Were survivors given meaningful options for safety?

Throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’ll continue talking about what survivors, advocates, data, and communities across Wisconsin can teach us about this work.

Awareness matters.
But awareness has to move us toward something.

The data calls for action.

10/01/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

At Bolton Refuge House, we spend this month and every month working to support survivors, provide resources, and raise awareness about domestic violence in our community.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and in their relationships. 💜

09/27/2026

Leaving an abusive relationship is rarely as simple as just walking away.

There can be fear, financial barriers, children, housing, isolation, threats, emotional manipulation, and so many other factors involved.

Instead of asking, “Why don’t they leave?” try asking, “How can I support you?”

Believe them. Listen without judgment. Let them know they have someone in their corner.

09/25/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month. Sometimes the signs that someone is struggling aren't obvious. They can look like withdrawing from the people they love, feeling hopeless or trapped, giving away their belongings, major changes in mood or behavior, or talking about death or feeling like a burden.

If something feels different, check in. Ask how someone is really doing. Listen without judgment and remind them they don't have to go through a difficult moment alone.

You don't have to have the perfect words or all the answers. Sometimes simply being there can make a difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7.

05/14/2026

Join us for trivia night at Together Farms in Mondovi! Thursday May 21st.