GREEN BAY — October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, symbolized by the color purple, a color representing peace, courage, survival, and hope.
State Representative Amaad Rivera Wagner (D-Green Bay), alongside Representative Sequanna Taylor (D-Milwaukee), announced new legislation to create a “Purple Alert” system that would help locate missing individuals who may be in danger due to domestic violence. Modeled after existing Amber, Silver, and Green Alerts, the Purple Alert would ensure a rapid and coordinated response when every minute matters.
“There is no question to me that this is going to save lives,” said Rep. Rivera Wagner. “Unfortunately, I’ve personally seen the devastating impacts domestic violence has on families, and my hope is that this bill helps ensure victims get protection before tragedy strikes. When someone goes missing in these situations, every minute matters, and a Purple Alert could mean the difference between life and death.”
Under the bill, when law enforcement receives a report of a missing adult who may be at risk because of domestic violence, agencies would use the integrated crime alert network to broadcast the information statewide. The proposal also includes safeguards to ensure that a Purple Alert would not be issued if an individual is missing in an effort to escape abuse, prioritizing survivor safety and autonomy.
This effort coincides with the Capitol Call to Action: Legislative Advocacy Against Domestic Violence, to be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Wisconsin State Capitol in the Rotunda. The event will bring together legislators, advocates, and community leaders from across the state to raise awareness and advance policy solutions that protect survivors and prevent future violence. The keynote speaker will be Ms. Carrie Scott Haney, a dedicated domestic violence advocate.
“At the end of the day, this is about giving families hope and sending a clear message: you are not alone, and your safety matters,” Rivera Wagner added.
The State of New York recently implemented a similar Purple Alert system, and Wisconsin’s proposal builds on that model to ensure faster communication, broader awareness, and stronger protection for those at risk.
