As we make our final preparations for today’s regional hearing in Green Bay, it’s worth noting this sobering news item from Wisconsin Public Radio:
According to the Department of Children and Families, there were 32 percent more domestic violence advocacy contacts last year than in 2010. While the raw number of victims staying in domestic abuse shelters has been flat, those that use the shelters stayed 12 percent longer. Shannon Barry is the executive director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services in Madison. She says they’re feeling the effects of that trend. “Many of the people who are coming to us for shelter services are reporting more severe violence, more stalking, strangulation and death threats from their batterers, and they’re requiring longer shelter stays with more intensive case management support.”
We’re looking forward to hearing from the people in the Green Bay region about the civil legal needs they see or have experienced. It will also be a chance to learn about what civil legal services are being provided and what gaps remain. Individuals and organizations from Brown, Fond du Lac, Manitowoc and Winnebago counties have already registered to speak.
The Green Bay Press Gazette published this story about the hearing after talking with Commission member Maurice Rice.
More soon.
