Milwaukee’s Domestic Violence High‑Risk Team (DVHRT), operating through the Sojourner Family Peace Center, has released a new report highlighting the growing challenge of preventing lethal domestic violence in the city. The team staffed 1,685 cases in 2025, more than double the 791 cases handled in 2019 – a 113% increase that underscores the rising demand for targeted intervention.

Caseload and High‑Risk Trends

One‑third of the 2025 caseload consisted of repeat cases in which at least one individual had previously been identified as high‑risk. Since the team’s inception, it has identified roughly 10,000 high‑risk situations. The report noted three victims who had been flagged as high‑risk were later murdered by their abusers, a figure the team describes as a low homicide rate given the volume of cases they monitor.

Early Intervention Is the Goal

Erin Shubert, Sojourner’s director of outcomes and evaluation, warned that many fatal incidents involve couples who were not previously known to Sojourner or law enforcement. “A trend that is concerning to me is that most of the couples for whom someone ends up dying were not known to Sojourner. They were not known to law enforcement prior to that lethal incident,” Shubert said.

The team’s current model often brings them in after a police response to a severe or deadly event. Shubert explained that the organization is shifting its focus to intervene before an emergency response is required. Strategies under development include community education on healthy relationships, universal screening for domestic‑violence risk, and broader public awareness campaigns.

Resources for Victims and Families

Sojourner offers a 24‑hour hotline (414‑933‑2722) and a crisis shelter for individuals seeking immediate help. Text‑based assistance is also available at 414‑877‑8100. These services aim to provide a safety net for those who may otherwise fall through the cracks of the criminal‑justice system.

Community Response

Local advocates stress that connecting victims with services early can dramatically reduce the risk of fatal outcomes. While the homicide count remains low relative to the number of high‑risk cases, the report’s authors argue that every prevented death is a testament to the importance of proactive outreach.

As Milwaukee continues to grapple with domestic‑violence challenges, the DVHRT’s expanded caseload and renewed emphasis on early intervention signal a community‑wide commitment to protecting families and preserving life.

Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.