Domestic violence is a public health crisis with profound economic, emotional, and intergenerational consequences. Women and girls are disproportionately vulnerable to trafficking, especially those experiencing poverty, abuse, or unstable housing.
In 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families reported:
- 94,299 is the estimated annual number of domestic violence victims in Wisconsin
- $14.3 million invested by DCF statewide in domestic abuse programs
- 253,946 nights of shelter provided (+17.5% from 2022)
- 5,392 individuals sheltered; 44.1% were children/youth
- 32,441 survivors received advocacy and counseling services
- 16,128 adults and 4,088 children received counseling
- 16,340 adults received legal advocacy
- 112,407 crisis line calls answered statewide
- 67.5% of shelters reported turning away survivors due to capacity
- Average length of shelter stay: 47.1 nights (up from 39.5)
Human Trafficking Awareness & Response
State Agency Engagement
- Department of Children and Families: offers Anti-Human Trafficking Tools and a Resources Handbook that supports local communities, professionals, and stakeholders. The toolkit includes response guides for high-risk and trafficked youth, community engagement tools, resource links, and web-based training opportunities.
- Department of Transportation: In January 2024, DOT designated human trafficking prevention as its Law of the Month. The department highlights the intersection between transportation and human trafficking, promotes awareness, and showcases its partnerships in prevention. Their dedicated webpage includes guidance on how to identify trafficking and access related resources.
- Department of Public Instruction: DPI, in collaboration with DCF, provided free anti-human trafficking learning opportunities for educators during the 2024–2025 school year. These include webinars tailored for school staff and resources to support adult awareness, youth education, trauma-informed support for students, and mandated reporting responsibilities.
- Department of Justice DOJ maintains a comprehensive list of human trafficking resources available throughout Wisconsin and nationally. This includes support services by county, public safety information, and victim assistance resources.