Emma was living in Iowa with her two sons and her husband. She experienced endless abuse at the hands of her husband.
Over their 22-year-marriage, she attempted to leave 8 times but always ended up back with her husband. Eventually, Emma and the kids fled to Milwaukee because she knew her husband would not look for her there.
Although she was away from her abuser, they had nowhere to go. She called Sojourner’s 24-hour hotline and was accepted into the emergency shelter.
Read MoreSojourner has been a pillar of peace in our community for nearly 50 years. And we can honestly say that survivors need help now more than ever.
Last year, we saw a record-breaking 28 domestic violence-related deaths in our community. Sadly, 2020 has proven even more dire. As of this writing, 50 people have lost their lives to domestic violence in 2020.
The trends we're seeing are heartbreaking: The violence is more vicious, unprovoked and egregious. Victims include whole families and very young children.
Read MoreSojourner’s Hope & Healing team supports survivors as they work toward a variety of goals. This time of year, a popular goal clients have is to apply or reapply for school scholarships, with which our team gladly helps.
So far, our Advocates helped four clients secure $11,250 for this school year! And we’re expecting to get confirmation about additional funds to be awarded for the spring semester.
Read MoreRussian-speaking survivors can now read about domestic violence and resources – in Russian – on Sojourner’s website.
We recently created a page in Russian where survivors can find basic information about domestic violence and available resources such as emergency shelter, restraining orders, human trafficking, help accessing benefits and more – at no cost to survivors and accessible in Russian.
Read MoreAs 2020 comes to an end, you may be reflecting on what you gave up.
The canceled coffees, cocktail hours, dinner dates, concerts, weekend getaways, graduations, fundraiser galas and more.
You gave it all up, but now you can GIVE IT ALL BACK.
GIVE IT ALL BACK. The cost of the coffees and cocktails you missed, the tips you didn’t leave, the Ubers you didn’t take and the plane tickets or cocktail attire you didn’t purchase.
GIVE IT ALL BACK, this GivingTuesday by supporting local, supporting nonprofits, supporting your community, and most importantly, supporting survivors like Candice and Maddie.*
Read MoreMonica is like many domestic violence survivors. Her ex-husband often made her feel as if the abuse was her fault. He would violently lash out and blame her for setting him off. When Monica told her family about the abuse and that she was considering leaving, she didn’t get the support she needed.
“What did you do to make him so angry?” they asked.
Deep down, Monica knew her husband’s violent outbursts weren’t her fault. And it wasn’t until a friend suggested calling Sojourner, was she met with care and compassion.
Read MoreDomestic violence, sexual assault and stalking survivors have confidentiality rights regarding information disclosed on poll lists, per Wisconsin state law.
Read MoreWe reached out to Milwaukee-area businesses, community groups and individuals to proudly display the color purple the week of Oct. 18-24 — and the results were breathtaking!
Read MoreThis week Carmen, three members of VOICES and Sojourner High Risk Advocate-North/South Regions Andria De Toro participated in a panel discussion to raise awareness about domestic violence. In year’s past, we’ve held the discussion in-person at the Family Peace Center.
Read MoreSojourner offers healing art opportunities for clients and their children during Open Studio. The residents made "Bountiful Beings" mosaic seed portraits to explore and identify characteristics that make them rich and resilient.
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