WISCONSIN — Programs that help domestic violence survivors in Wisconsin are bracing for federal funding cuts. 

Currently, the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) provides federal funds for state programs and organizations that support domestic violence prevention. 

What You Need To Know

  • A big drop in federal funding for domestic violence programs expected next year 

  • Domestic violence homicides went up in Wisconsin from 2021 to 2022. Last year 96 lives were lost

  • 49% of those homicides happened in rural areas, 51% were in urban areas

  • The average age of victims in Wisconsin was 37

Mariana Rodriguez is the director of the Latina Resource Center at United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS). She said that drop in funds puts our state in a dire situation with programs in some communities that rely on VOCA funds unable to keep their doors open.

At UMOS, Rodriguez said the cuts would impact many different areas. 

"There might not be funding to assist families with real emergency needs such as lodging when they flee an abusive home and need a place to stay for a few days until they can figure out where to go next," Rogriguez said.

2022 saw an increase in domestic violence homicides. According to End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin there were 96 victims last year. A 2022 report shows those homicides happened in 25 counties with around 49% in rural areas and 51% in urban areas. 

Watch the full interview with UMOS above.

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