MADISON – Today, Governor Tony Evers announced a $45 million investment in violence prevention and support for crime victims. Under the plan, $25 million will go towards violence prevention efforts and $20 million to support victim services in Wisconsin. State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) issued the following statement in response to this announcement:
“I advocated for violence prevention funding to be included in the biennial state budget, and am glad to see Governor Evers’ commitment to supporting violence prevention efforts and providing support for crime victims in Wisconsin. We know that violence prevention and interruption efforts save lives and reduce trauma in our communities. Investments in violence prevention also save taxpayers money in the long run.
“It is important to understand the psychology and the ripple effects of those exposed to violence. Violent incidents produce trauma that is critical to acknowledge and to address. We need to ensure access to trauma support, and I am glad to see this investment in crime victims support. The violence doesn’t disappear when incidents conclude.
“I am grateful for the work that the City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention and the Medical College of Wisconsin’s (MCW) Violence Prevention Project do to help reduce violence and trauma in our communities. Investments in these programs are essential to maintain and expand these programs, and for other violence prevention efforts across the state, so they can continue their crucial efforts to make our communities safer and healthier for the people of Wisconsin.”
