By Kendahl Kivisto
Domestic violence is a worldwide issue that has caused the deaths of millions of men, women, and children. In the United States, more than three women and one man are killed by their intimate partners daily. Due to the rising domestic violence crisis, October has been named Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1989.
The state of Wisconsin ranks eighth in the nation for intimate partner violence. In Wisconsin alone, the number of deaths from domestic violence has increased by 67%. A lack of resources and information can be the difference between life and death for many in Wisconsin, as 75% of these deaths occur after the victim attempts to leave the relationship. Many victims are unaware that they are in a domestic violence situation until it is too late, or they are unsure how to leave the relationship safely. Abusers are also good at hiding and minimizing their abuse so that outside forces remain oblivious to the abuse occurring behind closed doors.
Multiple organizations in the Green Bay area are devoted to these victims’ education, safety, and rehabilitation, including Golden House, St. John’s Ministries Women’s Shelters, and the UWGB campus wellness center. These organizations work as a safe place for victims to go to get resources, temporary housing, legal help, and more. On the UWGB campus Title IX coordinator Caitlin Henriksen stated, “[Domestic violence] never leaves you, but with support, you can decrease the effects it has on your daily life over time.”
Support systems are one of the most important resources for a domestic violence victim, according to Henriksen. Some ways that support loved ones struggling with domestic violence are listening, not passing judgment, offering resources, and understanding that leaving a domestic violence situation is very difficult and, on average, it takes up to seven times for a victim to attempt to leave their abuser before they can successfully separate from them. If there is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, he or she can call the UWGB Wellness Center at 888-531-2142 to be connected with a counselor. Other area resources are Golden House, located at 1120 University Ave, Green Bay, WI 54302, or St. John’s Ministries Women’s Shelters at 700 East Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301.
Domestic Violence is a serious issue plaguing the globe. Many victims feel unable to leave their situation, lack support systems, or are unaware of local resources. Through advocacy, education, awareness, and support, society can lower the rate of domestic violence and protect ourselves and others.
Local Resources
Golden House
1120 University Ave, Green Bay, WI 54302 (920) 435-0100
St. John’s Ministries Women’s Shelters
700 East Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301 (920) 857-9587
UWGB Wellness Center
2420 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311 (888) 531-2142
Works Cited
Alexander, M. (2023, January 25). Report finds Wisconsin ranks 8th in the nation for number of women killed by men. Channel3000.com. https://www.channel3000.com/news/crime/report-finds-wisconsin-ranks-8th-in-the-nation- for-number-of-women-killed-by-men/article_5c79db9a-5f92-5d45-8f78-cb904f968395.ht ml
Allen, K. (2023, October 5). Purple porches shine a light on domestic violence. https://www.wbay.com. https://www.wbay.com/2023/10/05/purple-porches-shine-light-domestic-violence/
Smith, E. L. (n.d.). Female murder victims and victim-offender relationship, 2021. Bureau of Justice Statistics. https://bjs.ojp.gov/female-murder-victims-and-victim-offender-relationship-2021#:~:text= Of%20the%20estimated%204%2C970%20female%20victims%20of,year%20were%20vic tims%20of%20intimate%20partner%20homicide.
Warning signs of abuse. The Hotline. (2023, June 30). https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/