2020: A recap
As we approach the one-year milestone of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Milwaukee, let’s take some time to look back at what we’ve accomplished and learned in the past year.
The pandemic’s impact on domestic violence
The pandemic has made life challenging for all of us, but especially so for domestic violence survivors. Sojourner staff needed to pivot and get creative to meet clients’ needs and keep operations running as smoothly as possible amid COVID-19. We are grateful to the team for everyone’s hard work during 2020.
We recently published our 2020 program stats. The data confirms what we’ve known all along: Home is not always a safe place and survivors need help now more than ever.
Key findings from 2020
21% increase in the number of survivors and their children served in our emergency shelter
8% increase in the number of victims served by Advocates co-located at police districts throughout Milwaukee
65% increase in the number of domestic violence-related deaths in Milwaukee County
50 domestic violence-related deaths in Milwaukee County (These deaths included several multiple homicide incidents and 9 children.)
79% increase in the number of domestic violence-related deaths from 2019
400% increase in the number of domestic violence-related deaths from 2018
Serving clients safely
This time last year, we made swift changes to continue operations during the pandemic. Thanks to our hardworking staff, Sojourner did NOT experience any interruption in services.
modifications made to continue serving clients amid the pandemic
Made it safe for clients to seek safety. We enhanced our already rigorous health and hygiene protocols to ensure safety for clients, staff and visitors to the Family Peace Center.
Began providing legal help and assistance filing restraining orders online. When the Milwaukee Courthouse closed temporarily, we switched from in-person support to help by phone and online.
Modified our in-take process to promote physical distancing. Reengineered our largest conference room to create several private meeting spaces for walk-in clients. Spaces are disinfected before and after each use and plexiglass dividers protect clients and staff.
Put safeguards in place for emergency shelter residents. We dispelled myths and fear with CDC-approved information and made accommodations to create physical distancing in resident rooms, public spaces and staggered dining hours.
Shifted in-person support groups for individuals, families and children to virtual. Moving from in-person groups presented some obvious challenges, but also yielded unexpected benefits for participants who previously lacked reliable transportation or childcare.
Conducted a survey to learn about survivors’ COVID-related challenges so we could deliver services to meet their needs. We learned that unemployment, food insecurity and getting evicted were the main concerns and we are providing assistance and support services to help with these issues.
Retooled Camp HOPE Wisconsin from a week-long sleepaway camp to a multi-week virtual experience. Many campgrounds, including where we host Camp HOPE, have closed due to COVID-19, so we modified the program to provide an enriching, engaging virtual camp experience. We retrofitted the program to engage campers in the virtual environment and build hope and resilience among kids impacted by family violence.
Launched public awareness campaigns to drive awareness and aid for survivors. Our “Home is not always a safe place” video was played on local TV channels as a public service announcement, shining a light on survivors’ needs. We also launched the #UntilSheCan campaign on social media to give a voice to survivors who are unable to safely speak their truth.
Launched a new mobile-friendly website. With more than 50% of our website visitors using mobile devices, we had to make our site mobile friendly. We also added information for Spanish and Russian-speaking visitors and created a resource library for community use.
2020 was a year of many challenges, but one thing was made crystal clear: We are stronger when we work as a team. From our dedicated staff and volunteers to our generous donors and community partners — we are so very grateful for your partnership and support!