Local team is at the forefront of life-saving intervention

Milwaukee, Wisconsin — Milwaukee County’s Domestic Violence High-Risk Team (DVHRT), led by Sojourner, has been honored with the 2024 Purple Ribbon Award for Best Urban Initiative. This prestigious national recognition celebrates innovative programs that make a significant impact on the lives of domestic abuse survivors.

As the largest urban DVHRT in the country, Milwaukee County’s team is at the forefront of life-saving intervention. Sojourner’s intervention begins immediately after a domestic violence incident. LAP-trained officers assess a victim’s homicide risk at the scene. High-risk cases are then referred to DVHRT for review and safety planning.

This approach has increased the number of high-risk victims seeking shelter and support, ultimately reducing domestic violence homicides. By bringing together diverse partners with a shared vision, this initiative ensures that all stakeholders contribute their expertise, influence decisions, and take collective action to enhance victim safety and offender accountability.

According to the latest DVHRT report, 93% of clients were connected with an advocate — a critical factor in improving survivor outcomes and safety. This data highlights the powerful impact of our coordinated, survivor-centered approach.

DVHRT’s collaborative model amplifies survivor voices, prioritizes safety, and bridges gaps between agencies to meet the complex needs of those affected by domestic violence. We understand that true healing extends beyond physical safety — it requires a comprehensive network of care that supports survivors every step of the way.

We are deeply proud of our team and the life-saving work they do every day to build a safer, more compassionate community.

This work would not be possible without our committed partners:

• Sojourner Family Peace Center
• Milwaukee Police Department
• State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections
• Division of Community Corrections
• Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office
• Alma Center

About Sojourner

The mission of Sojourner is to transform lives impacted by domestic violence. Sojourner provides crisis housing, system advocacy and individual support. Sojourner is the most comprehensive provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services in Wisconsin, serving nearly 10,000 clients each year. Our primary goals are to ensure the safety of victims of family violence and we are committed to creating communities where people live peacefully.