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GET HELP NOW
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Call or text us at any time to talk with an Advocate.
Confidential, free risk assessments, information and referral services available.
24-hour domestic violence hotline
Call: (414) 933-2722
Text: (414) 877-8100
Sojourner has been designated the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline for the City of Milwaukee and outlying communities since 1986. Staff and volunteers speak directly with victims from the scene of domestic violence incidents investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and 18 suburban police departments in situations that are subsequently reviewed for criminal charges by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office.
Our 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (414) 933-2722 also receives calls for information and support, and can help callers of all ages. All calls are confidential.
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SHELTER
Sojourner’s emergency shelter has been in existence since 1978. The 53-bed facility offers a safe respite for women, children and men dealing with abuse and sexual assault. We provide basic necessities such as food, transportation, clothing, warmth, security, empathy and support, counseling and support groups, advocacy services and children’s programming.
Call us at (414) 933-2722 and take the first step toward building a violence-free life.
Support groups & healing
Our support groups are held in confidential locations and co-taught by two facilitators. Participants will receive information about the following:
Domestic violence and how to rebuild in its aftermath
How to identify typical signs of the effects of domestic violence on children
The healing services available for adults and children who have been exposed to domestic violence
Other available advocacy services and community resources
How criminal and civil systems affect participants’ lives
Safety planning and practical tools to assess whether an abuser is changing or escalating
Logistical support, such as providing for transportation needs
For more information, or to join our support groups, please call our Advocacy Office at 414-276-1911 or our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 414-933-2722.
Restraining orders
People seeking temporary restraining orders (TRO) must now file their paperwork electronically. Assistance is available to help with the new process.
For assistance filing a restraining order, you can now book a phone appointment or join Sojourner’s virtual waitlist by visiting https://app.waitwhile.com/checkin/sojourner . All advocate assistance with e-filing is now offered by phone. Scheduling an appointment reserves time for you to speak with an advocate to help you file one order. Joining the waitlist adds you to a daily, virtual line to receive advocate support on a first come, first served basis.
We recommend that you schedule an appointment and join the waitlist if it's safe for you to receive an unscheduled call. You may be able to speak with an advocate prior to your scheduled appointment time by joining the waitlist.
To file, the court requires you to have the full legal name of the person harming you and a valid address where they can be served.
For people who have already filed a restraining order and have an upcoming hearing date, plan to appear at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, Room 712 on the 7th Floor, at the time indicated on the temporary restraining order paperwork received upon filing. Advocates will attend hearings by phone. Failure to appear at the hearing will result in a dismissal of the order.
Please talk with a Courthouse Advocate if you need to file a Restraining Order outside of these hours.
HEALING services
The Healing Services Program at Sojourner encourages self-sufficiency and economic empowerment for victims of domestic violence through an array of services aimed at helping them attain education, training, employment and economic freedom from their abuser. Our programming is comprised of individual and group support, employment readiness training and financial empowerment education designed to assist victims of domestic violence in their efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and freedom from abuse.
For more information, or to join our support groups, please call our Advocacy Office at 414-276-1911 or our 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 414-933-2722.
VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE
Domestic violence does not remain “domestic” when victims go to work. Homicide is the leading cause of death for women on the job. This violence poses a threat not only to the victims, but also to the safety and well-being of co-workers and customers.
For many victims, the workplace remains their only safe connection to the outside world and their only opportunity for achieving independence from the abuser. For their abusers, work remains the only place where the victim can be consistently found after fleeing.
Note to employers: Employers play an important role in making the workplace safe for victims of domestic violence. A safe work environment includes clear human resource policies, manager training, security, flexible leave and benefit policies, and employee education.
We can help employers with training and policies as well as provide on-site advocacy, if needed. Contact us to discuss how we can partner with you to make your workplace safe for victims of domestic violence to come forward.
Animal abuse and family violence
Recognizing the link between animal abuse and family violence, we partner with the Wisconsin Humane Society to offer the Safe Haven Foster Program. Safe Haven provides temporary shelter for pets of domestic violence victims, making it possible for victims to leave a dangerous situation knowing their animal is safe.
Safe Haven offers up to 60 days of shelter for animals of domestic violence victims. Many victims are hesitant to leave a dangerous situation because they fear for their animal’s safety. This program makes it possible for victims to leave without losing their companion animal.
If you know of a family or animal in danger, contact us at (414) 933-2722. For more information or to volunteer as a Safe Haven foster parent, call the Wisconsin Humane Society at (414) 264-6257.
Case management
Families affected by violence require additional tools and support to escape their situations and avoid further violence. Sojourner Family Peace Center provides advocacy and in-depth case management services to adult victims of domestic violence.
Case Management includes:
Helping victims of domestic violence find and access shelter
Establishing safe housing
Finding child care
Providing counseling
Making referrals for health care
Helping obtain civil legal services. Through our partnership with Legal Action of Wisconsin, attorneys provide free legal advice and representation.
Services provided are available in English, Spanish, Hmong and Russian and are free of charge.
To talk to an Advocate, please call Sojourner Family Peace Center at 414-276-1911 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
VINE
The Wisconsin VINE system is a service through which victims of crime, law enforcement and other interested citizens can use the telephone or internet to search for information regarding the custody status of an offender and register to receive telephone and email notification when the offender’s custody status changes. The Wisconsin VINE toll-free number is 1-888-944-8463. This service is provided to assist victims and the public who have a right to know about offenders’ custody status.
Additional resources
Domestic violence impacts people of all races, creeds, genders, zip codes and economic statuses. You have many options when seeking help.
Consider contacting a trusted friend, a local faith-based organization or visit We Are Here MKE for information about culturally specific resources throughout Milwaukee.
If you are outside of the Milwaukee area, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline to find help near you.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-SAFE (7233)
TTY: (800) 787-3224
thehotline.org