Wisconsin Rapids family center faces devastating cuts
FOR CITY TIMES
WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Wisconsin Rapids Family Center, in operation since 1984, is facing devastating cuts in federal funding. A vital resource to victims of domestic and sexual violence in our community will be forced to cut programs or decrease services when faced with a large federally-funded (Victims of Crime Act) cut of over $265,000 annually. Meanwhile, according to the 2022 Domestic Violence Homicide Report, there were 96 deaths due to domestic violence in Wisconsin in 2022, a 20 percent increase from the prior year. This significant reduction of funding will create a crisis for domestic and sexual abuse services across the state, creating more crises for victims desperately in need of services.
This funding flows into the states from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). The money comes from fines and penalties paid by federally-prosecuted court cases.
Wisconsin Rapids Family Center’s mission is to empower those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault and address the root causes of abuse in the community through education and advocacy. Services to victims and their children are approached through an array of strategies, including: Providing emergency shelter; Access 24 hours via phone or on a walk-in basis to a trained advocate who can provide emotional support and education on domestic abuse or sexual assault; Information, referral, personal, medical, housing and legal advocacy and accompaniment are provided; Ongoing support groups for victims and their children; Visitation and Exchange Center. Cuts of this magnitude will result in the inevitable elimination of vital programs, affecting victims and their families in south Wood County.
“Wisconsin Rapids Family Center provides vital services to our community,” said Executive Director, Tricia Fancher. “In 2023, over three-hundred-ninety community members received services, with over three-thousand-nine-hundred services provided to victims of domestic or sexual violence. Programming available or the types of services offered will be impacted by this significant decrease in funding, unless help steps in in a big way. Staff and board members are seeking and creating new ways to diversify funding sources now and for the future. You can watch our website and social media for upcoming events,” Fancher added. “Support from the community is vital. If you have ever considered serving with your time or talents or generously giving of your resources, now is the time to get involved.”
Wisconsin Rapids Family Center can be reached at 715-421-1559.
If you or someone you know needs support in a domestic violence or sexual assault situation, the Wisconsin Rapids Family Center crisis line at 715-421-1511, and is answered 24/7. All calls and contacts are confidential and advocacy services are at no cost.