Your help saves lives
The holidays are when many families gather to share home-cooked meals and happy traditions. But sometimes, loved ones and relatives cause the most harm, leaving families shattered and broken.
Family violence-related deaths have skyrocketed. With your help, Sojourner provides crucial outreach and specialized support to survivors whose lives are in danger.
High-risk assessments and outreach save lives
With your help, Sojourner proactively offers support to people who need it most. We’ve helped over 3,000 survivors in extreme danger stay safe.
Here’s one survivor who overcame extreme danger to seek help, heal from trauma and build a happy and peaceful home for her daughter.
Jen’s story
Jen* and John met ten years ago at a softball tournament. They flirted and exchanged numbers. It was love at first sight.
The first year of their relationship was wonderful. John was caring and attentive. They moved into a cute little house in the suburbs and had a baby. Life was good.
One day, John called Jen at work. Something was wrong. He sounded different. They learned John had a massive breakdown and needed medication to manage his severe anxiety and depression.
“I love you,” said Jen. “We’ll get through this together.”
After a few months, John was able to return to work. He took his medication regularly and seemed to have everything under control. But one day, John abruptly stopped taking his medication. Jen encouraged him to talk with his doctor, but he refused.
John’s behavior changed drastically. He became short-tempered and would erupt in violent outbursts without warning.
The abuse started with hurtful words. Then John began punching holes in the walls. And one day, Jen saw him kick their dog. Hard. Then he turned his anger toward Jen. He pushed and shoved her, sometimes choking her until she nearly blacked out. The next day, he apologized and promised to start taking his medication.
John began a terrifying cycle. When he managed his health, things were fine. When he stopped taking his medicine, he became violent and abusive.
One day, John bought a gun. He said it was for protection, but it made Jen very uncomfortable. In her heart, she felt John was sick and needed love and support to get better. But having a gun in the house was terrifying.
A week later, John exploded into a rage. He threw Jen to the floor and began choking her. Jen broke free and called John’s parents, hoping they could calm him down. When they arrived, John pulled his gun and threatened to shoot everyone. After a few tense moments, Jen and her in-laws managed to flee the house and call 911.
The police officer suggested she call Sojourner to speak with an Advocate, file a restraining order and discuss safety planning. Jen agreed. She packed up the baby and moved in with her parents.
John’s behavior grew more frightening. He violated the restraining order and began stalking Jen. He showed up at her work and her parents’ home. He even tried running her off the road.
Jen started attending group support sessions at Sojourner. She felt safe there. At Sojourner, she learned she wasn’t alone and that the abuse wasn’t her fault. Bolstered by her support system, Jen filed for divorce and secured a 10-year restraining order. In the years since, Jen has stayed connected to Sojourner to participate in healing programming with her daughter, including Sojourner’s Child Witness to Domestic Violence group and Camp Hope. Jen reports that these experience have helped her daughter learn how to advocate for herself, find her voice, and stand up for what she believes.
“The best thing I did was to seek help from Sojourner,” says Jen. “Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. Sojourner is a safe place for you to heal and find yourself again.”
* Name changed for privacy and safety.
Give today
Your gift has immediate impact
- $100 to help a survivor file a restraining order
- $300 for 3 survivors to attend support groups so they can heal trauma and build hope
- $500 in housing support for a family fleeing violence
- $1,000 to help a survivor secure a safe and permanent home.
Your generous gifts to Sojourner help thousands of survivors as they take their first steps toward a life free from abuse. THANK YOU!
About Sojourner
Sojourner is the most comprehensive provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services in Wisconsin, delivering an array of support to nearly 10,000 clients each year.
Our 53-bed shelter provides safe and stable crisis housing. On-site Advocates walk with survivors on their journey of healing and rebuilding.
We help survivors file police reports and restraining orders. We connect them with services and support, including legal, healthcare and social services provided by 14 community partners located under one roof at the Family Peace Center.
Sojourner is a place of refuge, respite, healing and hope.
