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Advocates Hope Youth Program Deters Future Domestic Violence

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin

2018 marked the lowest rate of domestic violence homicides in Wisconsin since 2011—a 24 percent decrease from the year prior, according to the End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin Domestic Violence Homicide Report.

Associate Director at End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, Tony Wilkin Gibart says even with the lower numbers last year, one homicide is too many.

He says isolation, bad housing and lack of economic security are key factors in abuse, along with the presence of firearm in the dwelling....

"...What keeps victims safe is when they're connected to local domestic abuse services like the services in Rhinelander at Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault or in Wausau at the Women's Community. When victims are working with an advocate to enhance their safety, that goes a long way...."

Wilkin Gibart says rather than treat violence among adults, advocates have been working with teens in an effort to stop abuse early with the Dare2Know movement...

"...To help them know what healthy relationships can and should look like. That they move into adulthood with an understanding as to what kind of relationship they want to have, the partner they want to be when they begin dating so the unhealthy set of beliefs never takes root and situations don't escalate..."

During October’s National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Dare2Know will be participating in community events in various state cities.

Wilkin Gibart says The Dare2Know movement was launched in July 2018 with the mission to empower Wisconsin’s youth to join the movement to end Teen Dating Violence.

More information is a End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin's website.

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