October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence
is a rising concern in the state of Wisconsin. An estimated one in four women
will be abused in their lifetime.
In 2011 homicides happened in twelve counties in Wisconsin. In
2012, there were homicides in twenty-one counties. The 2011-2012 domestic abuse
report from the Wisconsin Coalition
Against Domestic Violence shows victim age range was anywhere between less than
one to eighty-four years old. A rising percent from 2011 to 2012 shows that
male perpetrators went from 72% to 86% of incidents.
Investigator Tim O’Neill told WXOW in La Crosse there were
2021 domestic abuse related calls in 2012. He adds, he can only assume there
are more unreported cases.
The 2011-2012 report on domestic abuse can be viewed in full
detail at http://wcadv.org/sites/default/files/2011.2012HR.pdf.
The report suggests key indicators include stalking, strangulation and gun violence. A bill looking to enforce stricter gun laws
on domestic abusers is currently being considered.
Domestic violence victims are not alone. End Domestic Abuse
Wisconsin provides shelter and volunteer law enforcement, legislators, and
advocates making each victim feel safe.
National Domestic Violence Hotline number is (1 800)
799-SAFE (7233).
A list of domestic violence victim services can be found at www.wcadv.org/gethelp. 