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Press Release
March 8 - New Survey Presents Snapshot of Domestic Violence in Wisconsin
Economic Downturn Exacerbating Domestic AbuseMadison- In one 24-hour period, 1,900 victims of domestic violence and their children across Wisconsin received life-saving services from local domestic violence service providers. Domestic violence experts in the state answered 749 emergency hotline calls. At the same time, 273 requests for services went unmet, due to lack of funding.
These are just a few of the numbers from the latest survey conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV). About 90% of domestic violence shelters and programs in the state participated in the survey. The numbers are being released today as part of recognizing International Women's Day.
Locally, domestic violence programs are reporting unprecedented levels of requests for help. Victim advocates say that the increased demand for services is related to victims' financial situations.
“While economic turmoil doesn't drive abusers to use violence, financial insecurity prevents victims from leaving abusive homes on their own, meaning the local shelter or service provider is the only place they can turn,” said Patti Seger, Executive Director of WCADV.
The elevated level of demand in Wisconsin is consistent with what NNEDV found nationally. On September 15, 2009, despite the difficulty to raise funds for vital services, domestic violence programs nationwide provided services to more than 65,000 adults and children in one day alone. More than 23,000 crisis hotline calls were answered, but over 9,200 requests for services went unmet, mostly due to funding shortfalls.
Data from the survey also demonstrate that domestic violence is a life or death issue, which affects children and adults. Across the nation on September 15, 2009, two women miscarried as a result of domestic violence. Four women were murdered by their intimate partners. Seven children were killed by their fathers in domestic violence homicides, and seven babies were born in domestic violence shelters.
“Domestic violence victim programs in Wisconsin are providing life-saving services,” said Seger. “Although 2009 was a record year for domestic violence homicides in our state, we know that the figure would be much higher if it were not for the dedication, sacrifice and talent of victim advocates.”
The report also notes that on the day of the survey 677 individuals attended training provided by local programs statewide. The 30 sessions in Wisconsin focused on abuse prevention and early intervention.
“Victim service providers have shown a commitment to changing the attitudes and culture that fuel violence, even while attending to the immediate needs of victims in crisis," said Seger. “In all, the survey provides a glimpse into Wisconsin's response to domestic violence. We see the heroic efforts to prevent violence and serve victims and the urgent need for additional funding to respond to requests for help that are currently going unmet.”
Nationally, 1,648 local domestic violence programs (83%) submitted their service statistics for September 15. In Wisconsin, 63 of 72 programs participated. The full National Domestic Violence Counts 2009 report is available online at www.nnedv.org.