Every year nationwide, one day is selected to give a glimpse at how many people are using domestic abuse services. On September 15th, 2009 1,900 victims accessed service, according to the Wisconsin Coalition against Domestic Violence.
WCADV Executive Director Patti Seger says with 63 of the 72 programs submitting results to them, the number is likely more than 2,000 victims because of the uncounted programs. Shelters and transitional housing cared for 893 victims that day while hotlines took 749 calls.
Seger also says a vital service could not be provided in a time when domestic homicides spiked.
Patti Seger (:43)
Due to the economic downturn domestic violence services are operating “with less and providing more services,” says Seger. Thankfully she says, the Governor maintained funding for such programs at the state level but many counties reduced or eliminated funding altogether. Additionally, the recession has caused private donations to go down slightly.