VIOLENCE PREVENTION INITIATIVE

Initiative Description
Community Resources

INITIATIVE DESCRIPTION

The results of the most recent LIFE Study indicate that violence against women is up almost 40 percent in our area. In order to have a healthy, thriving community, all residents must be safe from violence. Through this initiative the Women’s Fund hopes to create awareness around the issue of violence against women and girls while supporting programs that work to educate the community about this pervasive issue.

The LIFE Study results show that in Outagamie County sexual assaults increased 37 percent between 2000 and 2004 (Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance) and there were 1078 reported incidents of domestic violence in Outagamie County in 2003, up 38 percent from 2001 (Wisconsin Office of Justice Assistance).

The objectives of the Violence Prevention Initiative are to communicate to the community the pervasive nature of this form of violence; to support programming that educates youth on healthy and unhealthy relationships; and to help ensure the availability of services for those experiencing violence.

Initially, the Women’s Fund will look to partner/collaborate with area domestic violence shelters and crisis centers. Eventually our hope is that the collaborative group will expand. This primary focus of this initiative will support prevention education as well as projects supporting victims.

The goals of the initiative include:

Increased overall community awareness of the amount of violence against women and young women.
Increased awareness among young people of the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Increased, sustained programming in the area educational systems regarding healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Increased support of young individuals involved in controlling relationships.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc.

Harbor House Domestic Abuse Programs
Reach Counseling Services
Sexual Assault Crisis Center