End Abuse applauds Governor Evers for an historical investment in domestic violence victim services and prevention. The 2023-25 Executive Budget released by Governor Evers on February 15 centers the diverse needs of Wisconsin survivors by increasing the domestic violence-related funds from $12.4 million per year to $20.2 million per year. This offers a total investment of $40 million over two years, an amount never before allocated to addressing and preventing domestic violence in the state.
The Governor allocated an additional $28 million for the biennium to the Living Independently Through Financial Empowerment (LIFE) program. The LIFE program is designed to increase economic mobility for survivors of domestic violence by providing a financial safety net to ensure their basic needs can be partially met as they create independent, violence-free lives for themselves and their children.
“Wisconsin ranks 8th in the nation for the number of women killed by men,” said Jenna Gormal, End Abuse Co-Director of Prevention and Engagement. “Eighty people lost their lives to domestic violence in 2021, the highest number since records began. The unprecedented level of funds that the Governor has allocated towards addressing these horrifying realities reflects the severity of the public health crisis of domestic violence, as well as his administration’s commitment to survivors. These funds will save lives.”
Leaders of domestic violence programs across Wisconsin expressed gratitude and hope at the possibility that these funds have for reducing the impact of violence on those they serve. People statewide engaged in legislative advocacy, coordinated by the coalition, that impacted this budgetary decision.
“These are genuinely historic investments in survivors of violence,” said End Abuse Executive Director Monique Minkens. “End Abuse thanks everyone for committing their time and energy to send emails, make calls, and attend budget listening sessions as part of coordinated advocacy efforts! This type of collective action is what creates sustainable opportunities for survivors as we support them in their liberation. In work that is often heavy, we are hopeful as we celebrate this win and recommit to the liberation of all survivors of violence.”
To learn more about End Abuse’s public policy priorities, resources, and opportunities for engagement, visit http://www.endabusewi.org/our-work/public-policy-advocacy
For Media
CONTACT: Elise Buchbinder | Director of Communications, End Domestic Abuse WI | eliseb@endabusewi.org
End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (End Abuse, www.endabusewi.org) is the leading voice for victims of domestic abuse in Wisconsin. At End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, we educate shelter and program volunteers and advocates, law enforcement, legislators, and community members to provide safety and support to survivors. We strive to shift Wisconsin from the attitudes and beliefs that cause domestic violence to values of mutual respect and equity, and we partner with communities in the effort to prevent and end domestic abuse. We encourage reporters to include the National Domestic Violence Hotline number [1−800−799−SAFE(7233)] in their stories for victims who need help. A list of local Wisconsin domestic violence victim service providers can be found at www.endabusewi.org/get-help