Report on Domestic Violence Crisis in Wisconsin and Community Response

Executive Summary

This report details the escalating domestic violence crisis in Wisconsin, contextualized within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It examines a recent community awareness event, analyzes new data on domestic violence fatalities, and assesses the critical impact of federal funding cuts on victim support services. The findings indicate significant challenges to achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality), particularly target 5.2 regarding the elimination of violence against women and girls, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), specifically target 16.1 concerning the reduction of violence and related death rates.

Community Mobilization for SDG 5 and SDG 16: The #LETTHEMLIVE 5K

In a demonstration of community partnership aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), over 200 individuals participated in the sixth annual #LETTHEMLIVE 5K run/walk in Milwaukee. The event, held on October 4, served to raise awareness and support for domestic violence survivors, directly contributing to the societal engagement required to achieve SDG 5 and SDG 16.

Event Objectives and Participation

• Primary Goal: To honor domestic violence survivors and raise public awareness, kicking off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
• Organizers: LaVerne Badger and Natalie Hayden, founders of “ExPOSED: The Podcast,” a platform discussing life after domestic abuse.
• Participants: A broad coalition including survivor support groups, advocates, the Milwaukee Police Department, and local community organizations, reflecting a multi-stakeholder approach essential for SDG 17.

District Attorney Kent Lovern highlighted the scale of the issue, noting his office reviews nearly 9,000 domestic violence incidents annually. He emphasized that community-wide engagement, as demonstrated by the event, is crucial for building the peaceful and inclusive societies envisioned in SDG 16, as systemic responses alone are insufficient.

Analysis of Domestic Violence Fatalities and Setbacks to SDG 16.1

A report released by End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin reveals a severe regression in the state’s efforts to meet SDG 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere). The data presents a critical public health and safety issue that undermines progress toward SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Key Findings from the 2024 Homicide Report

• Record Fatalities: Domestic violence resulted in a record 98 deaths in 2024, an increase from 85 in the previous year and the highest number since data tracking began in 2000.
• Geographic Distribution: Deaths occurred across 27 counties, indicating a statewide crisis affecting both urban and rural communities.
• Weaponization: Firearms were used in 71% of all deaths, highlighting a critical area for intervention to reduce lethal violence.
• Identifiable Risk Factors: Many homicides were preceded by documented risk factors such as stalking, strangulation, and prior threats, suggesting opportunities for preventative action were missed.

Impact of Funding Reductions on Institutional Support for SDGs

The state’s capacity to provide justice and support for victims, a cornerstone of SDG 16.3 (Promote the rule of law… and ensure equal access to justice for all), is being severely eroded by federal funding cuts. The reduction in funds from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) directly threatens the institutional infrastructure needed to protect vulnerable populations and advance SDG 5 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Consequences of VOCA Funding Shortfall

• Funding Collapse: Annual VOCA funding for Wisconsin has plummeted from approximately $44 million to $13 million.
• Staffing Reductions: A survey of 75 programs revealed that over 80% of agencies reported staffing changes, resulting in the elimination of approximately 59 full-time positions.
• Service Elimination: Nearly 70% of agencies have discontinued services. This includes the closure of a Spanish bilingual program, creating significant barriers for non-English speaking survivors and exacerbating inequalities, in direct opposition to SDG 10.
• Reduced Prevention and Outreach: Nearly one-third of agencies have eliminated prevention and education staff, crippling efforts to intervene before violence escalates to a lethal level.

Calls to Action for Strengthening Institutions (SDG 16)

The report outlines two primary calls for action to rebuild the state’s capacity to address domestic violence and realign with SDG targets:

1. The creation of a statewide Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls Task Force to address intersectional violence and promote equality.
2. A demand for more sustained and meaningful state and federal government investment to ensure the viability of victim and survivor support programs.

Directory of Support Services

Access to support services is a critical component of ensuring justice and well-being for survivors. The following confidential resources are available:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
• End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: Statewide directory at endabusewi.org/get-help
• Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault: Statewide directory at wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers
• Sojourner Family Peace Center (Milwaukee): 24-hour confidential hotline at 414-933-2722
• The Milwaukee Women’s Center: 24-hour crisis line at 414-671-6140
• We Are Here Milwaukee: Information on culturally specific organizations at weareheremke.org
• Kids Matter Inc.: Free legal services for children impacted by domestic violence at 414-344-1220 or www.kidsmatterinc.org

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article directly addresses health outcomes by focusing on the lethal consequences of domestic violence. The report of a “record 98 deaths statewide last year” highlights the failure to protect the physical well-being and lives of individuals, which is a core concern of SDG 3.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  Domestic violence is a form of gender-based violence. The article’s central theme of supporting domestic violence survivors and raising awareness about the issue is intrinsically linked to the goal of eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls. The call for a “Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls Task Force” further emphasizes the gender and racial dimensions of this violence.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is relevant as the article discusses violence, access to justice, and the institutional frameworks designed to protect victims. The mention of “nearly 9,000 domestic violence incidents” reviewed by the District Attorney’s office points to the justice system’s role. Furthermore, the erosion of victim services due to “federal funding cuts” signifies a weakening of the institutions that provide justice and support to survivors.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article showcases community-led partnerships aimed at addressing domestic violence. The “#LETTHEMLIVE 5K” event is a clear example, bringing together “survivor support groups, advocates, the Milwaukee Police Department, local sororities and fraternities, and more” to work towards a common goal of supporting survivors and raising awareness.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality

  This target aims to reduce premature mortality. The article’s focus on the “record 98 deaths” resulting from domestic violence directly relates to this goal of preventing avoidable deaths and promoting well-being.

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls

  This is the most directly relevant target. The entire article is about domestic violence, a key component of violence against women and girls. The community event, survivor stories, and statistical reports all center on the need to eliminate this form of violence.

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

  The article’s data on the rise in domestic violence deaths from “85 victims in 2023 to 98 in 2024” is a direct measure of the challenge in meeting this target. The use of firearms in “71% of deaths” provides specific detail on the nature of this violence.

• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice for all

  The article highlights significant barriers to justice for victims. The “severe funding instability” and the fact that VOCA funds “plummeted to $13 million annually” from about $44 million have led to cuts in essential services like victim advocates and legal support, thereby undermining equal access to justice for survivors.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships

  The “#LETTHEMLIVE 5K” event, organized by the founders of “ExPOSED: The Podcast,” is a civil society partnership. Its growing participation from diverse community groups demonstrates a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing a social issue, aligning perfectly with this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for Targets 5.2 and 16.1 (Violence and Death Rates)

  The article provides clear quantitative indicators:

  1. The number of domestic violence deaths per year: The article states the number rose from 85 in 2023 to 98 in 2024, the “highest toll” since tracking began in 2000.
  2. The number of domestic violence incidents reported to authorities: The District Attorney’s office “reviews nearly 9,000 domestic violence incidents each year.”
  3. Prevalence of specific risk factors: The report noted documented risk factors like “stalking, strangulation, death threats and prior use of a weapon.”

• Indicators for Target 16.3 (Access to Justice)

  The article implies indicators related to the capacity of institutions to provide support and justice:

  1. Level of funding for victim services: The article quantifies the decline in VOCA funding for Wisconsin from “$44 million annually” to “$13 million annually.”
  2. Availability of support staff: The survey found that “more than 80% of agencies reported staffing changes, resulting in the loss of about 59 full-time positions.”
  3. Accessibility of services: The article notes that “nearly 70% of agencies had discontinued some services, including one that eliminated its Spanish bilingual program,” which is a direct measure of reduced access.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: jsonline.com