Domestic violence happens in every area of Wisconsin

Domestic violence-related homicide claimed the lives of 96 people in Wisconsin, in 2022. This is a rate of one death, per 3.8 days.

Since End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin (EDAW) began gathering data surrounding the lives lost to domestic violence in 2000, 1,268 people have been killed in Wisconsin.

The following are a look into the impact of violence in Wisconsin’s communities:

• Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation, for the number of women killed by men – one in every six domestic violence deaths in the U.S., happened in Wisconsin. Three of these homicides occurred in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties.

• An overwhelming majority of perpetrators were male – 88.7 percent.

• Most perpetrators committed the homicide with a firearm.

• The average victim’s age was 37 years old.

• Domestic violence-related homicides occur almost evenly between rural and urban areas.

Survivors of violence have been asked before, “Why don’t you leave?” This report highlights that the most dangerous time for someone in an abusive relationship, is when they leave. In fact, consistent with past years’ reports, sources shared that many victims were killed after the relationship ended or when one person in the relationship was taking steps to end the relationship, illuminating, once again, that leaving does not equate to safety.

In fact, leaving violent relationships accounts for over 40 percent of all domestically violent homicides, annually.

The Family Support Center understands that for survivors of violence, planning for their personal safety is an extensive and exhausting process. Survivors must have intimate knowledge of their partners’ triggers and what can escalate violence. They must consider if their technological devices are safe from surveillance.

Survivors must consider their dependents or pets when leaving a dangerous relationship. Additionally, safety plans must adapt to a changing environment, and constantly be reviewed and updated. This is a difficult process for many and no one should have to plan alone.

For help with safety planning in an interpersonal relationship, call the Family Support Center, at 715-723-1138 or email familysupport@fsccf.org.