
Madison – January 23, 2025 – End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) commend Governor Evers for including a significant increase in funding for victim services in his Executive Budget. Governor Evers proposed $66 million in state funding over the biennium for victim service providers. This includes at least $16 million for sexual assault services and $20 million for domestic abuse services over two years. This increase comes at a critical time for programs in Wisconsin who experienced devastating cuts in in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding in beginning on October 1st, of last year. The consequences of these cuts are forcing programs to lay off staff and reduce services. The impacts are falling hardest on the smallest programs, including those serving communities of color as well as those in rural and low-income communities. These cuts are negatively impacting survivors, their families, and our communities. Victim service providers are grateful to the Wisconsin legislature for unanimously passing Act 241 which included a $10 million increase in funding. While this has provided some relief, that funding was provided on a one-time basis and lapses on June 30th, 2025. We would like to thank Governor Evers announcing this critical increase in victim services funding. However, we are still early in the stages of the 2025-27 state budget process. We call on the Wisconsin Legislature to include this increase when they pass their budget. For those experiencing domestic or sexual violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1−800−799−7233), the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673), and the Hmong Family Strengthening Helpline (1-877-740-4292) are available 24/7 for support. A list of local Wisconsin domestic violence victim service providers can be found at www.endabusewi.org/get-help. A list of local WI sexual assault victim service providers can be found at www.wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers. A list of local WI Black and Brown culturally-specific domestic violence and sexual assault victim resources can be found at www.bbwpcoalition.org/resources-in-wi. |
Note to Media: We encourage reporters to include the National Domestic Violence Hotline [1−800−799−SAFE (7233)] and the National Sexual Assault Hotline [1-800-656-4673] 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. A list of local WI sexual assault victim service providers can be found at www.wcasa.org/survivors/service-providers. A list of local WI Black and Brown culturally-specific domestic violence and sexual assault victim resources can be found at www.bbwpcoalition.org/resources-in-wi 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. |