The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) is emphasizing the importance of supporting victims of domestic violence during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Attorney General Josh Kaul highlighted the resources available for survivors and stressed the need for financial backing for victim service providers, especially in light of decreased federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding.
“Everyone deserves to be safe in their home and to live free from domestic violence,” stated Attorney General Kaul. “We must ensure that vital victim services continue to be available for survivors.”
Domestic violence is characterized by one partner seeking control over another, often through various forms of abuse, including verbal, emotional, economic, or physical. This behavior can lead to severe trauma and even fatalities among victims.
End Abuse Wisconsin’s 2023 Domestic Violence Homicide Report disclosed that 85 individuals died due to domestic violence last year across 22 counties in Wisconsin. Firearms were involved in 78% of these deaths. The report also noted that victims' ages ranged from 1 to 83 years old, while perpetrators were aged between 16 and 81 years old.
The DOJ works towards holding perpetrators accountable through successful prosecutions and training law enforcement on handling cases involving domestic abuse. Programs like Safe at Home offer address confidentiality to protect victims’ privacy and safety.
Additionally, the DOJ administers the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) STOP Program through its Office of Crime Victim Services (OCVS). This program funds strategies aimed at combating violence against women by fostering partnerships between criminal justice systems and advocacy agencies.
Despite significant reductions in VOCA funding—about a 70% decrease for fiscal year 2025—the DOJ has requested $66,150,000 in state funding over the next biennium to maintain support for victim service providers at previous levels.
For more information about local domestic violence programs or resources like Safe at Home, visit End Abuse Wisconsin's website or the DOJ's official site.