In 2010, there were 29,941 abuse incidents that were reported to Wisconsin law enforcement officials and referred to district attorneys’ offices for prosecution. “Domestic violence continues to be a significant problem across Wisconsin,” said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. “But we also need to keep in mind the number of unreported incidents, and that’s why being able to provide resources for our local community partners is a top priority for [Office of Crime Victims Services] staff.”
As part of the initiative to put an end to domestic violence and sexual assault, in September 2010, Indianhead Community Action Agency, Inc. (ICAA) was approved for a Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) federal grant to assist domestic violence and sexual assault victims in various rural Wisconsin Counties. The LAV Grant Program is intended to increase the availability of civil legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and youth victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking who are seeking relief in legal matters arising as a consequence of that abuse or violence.
ICAA’s LAV grant program consists of representation of victims in ten rural counties by two attorneys: Melissia R. Mogen, managing attorney, who represents victims in Burnett, Polk, Washburn, Sawyer, and Barron counties, and Danielle Kranz, associate attorney, who represents victims in Price, Taylor, Rusk, Clark, Marathon, and Wood counties. To date, the attorneys have assisted over 200 victims in various legal matters, primarily focusing on family law matters, including child custody and placement.
Because domestic violence is a critical public health issue, it calls for community-oriented approaches to stopping violence before it can begin. ICAA has been collaborating with various community organizations, including the Coordinated Community Response Team and law enforcement officials to put an end domestic violence and sexual assault.
Because most incidents of domestic violence and sexual assault go unreported, it is very important that victims know that they will be protected. It is important for victims to report the incidents to the law enforcement officials. The Sheriff’s Department takes all reports of domestic violence or sexual assault very seriously. They do a thorough job of investigating the incident and forwarding the complaint on to the District Attorney’s office for review and possible prosecution. It is important for the victim to know that they will be protected throughout the entire process. Additionally, if there are any civil legal matters that victims will need assistance with, the Sheriff’s Department or the District Attorney’s office will refer the victim to ICAA for possible representation. It is with all of these organizations working together that the victim can begin to feel safe.
Can we end domestic violence and sexual assault? Yes, if we work at preventing it from happening in the first place. And that starts with a community-based approach to educate individuals, promote awareness, and assist victims.
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