Madison Reporter

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has issued a statement addressing the issues of domestic abuse and sexual harassment within the community. The mayor emphasized the severe impact these issues have on individuals and stressed the importance of prevention and accountability.

"Domestic abuse and sexual harassment are serious issues that affect too many lives in our community. The effects are both immediate and enduring, and we must do all that we can to prevent abuse and harassment and to respond fully when it occurs," said Mayor Rhodes-Conway.

She affirmed the city's commitment to supporting survivors and ensuring that those who violate laws related to abuse or harassment are held accountable. "The City supports survivors and spares no effort to hold accountable anyone found to have violated the law," she stated.

Mayor Rhodes-Conway also highlighted a limitation in jurisdiction over independent elected officials, indicating that such matters ultimately fall under public scrutiny. "While the City has high standards for our employees and has an established process for addressing abusive or harassing behavior, City administration does not have similar jurisdiction over independent elected officials. In that case, the recourse is with the public and the political process."

She concluded by expressing her hope for maintaining high standards in leadership roles within Madison, saying, "No one who harasses or abuses women should be in a leadership position at any level of government. While such behavior may be normalized elsewhere, I would hope that in Madison we have higher standards."