Jul 14, 2026 | Domestic Violence News
Local High-Risk Teams have completed more than 1,000 lethality screens and connected more than 470 survivors to advocacy since 2019
MARINETTE, Wis. – In a June 23 interview on Oprah’s podcast, author Rachel Louise Snyder, whose bestselling book No Visible Bruises reshaped how Americans understand domestic violence, argued that the term itself falls short: what we are really talking about is intimate terrorism. The episode explored the risk factors for homicide and the hard truth that, for many women, the most dangerous place is inside their own home.
“Oprah’s podcast reaches tens of millions of people. Many of them will hear Rachel Snyder’s words and recognize someone they love. Some will recognize themselves,” said Courtney Olson, Executive Director of Rainbow House. “We want those people to know that help exists, and that it is closer than you think, right here in Marinette and Oconto Counties.”
For too long, communities have treated domestic violence homicide as a tragedy no one could have seen coming. Yet again and again, before a woman was killed, she had contact with police, courts, advocates, and health care providers, people who never had the chance to connect the dots. The truth is painful, but it is also hopeful: many domestic violence homicides are preceded by recognizable warning signs, including threats to kill, strangulation, stalking, access to firearms, and violence that escalates after a victim tries to leave. When communities are trained to recognize those signs and respond together, outcomes can change.
That is why Rainbow House, local law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office, and Probation and Parole made the decision to strengthen, together, how the region responds to the most dangerous domestic violence cases. Through the local Domestic Violence High-Risk Teams, those agencies now sit at the same table and ask the same questions about each dangerous case: What is the risk? What can we do, together, right now? Referrals are based on the Lethality Assessment Program 2.0, an evidence-based screening model developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. When a responding officer identifies a victim as high-risk, the victim is connected with a Rainbow House advocate on the spot for safety planning and support, rather than being left to find help alone.
Since launching this coordinated response in 2019, Marinette and Oconto Counties have completed more than 1,000 lethality screens, connected more than 470 survivors directly to advocacy services, and identified more than 250 cases involving strangulation, one of the strongest predictors of domestic violence homicide.
In one recent case, a survivor’s lethality screen scored 22 out of 26, placing her at the highest level of danger. When her case was staffed at a High-Risk Team meeting, the team provided her with security cameras, a personal alarm, and personal supplies, and ensured the District Attorney’s office had accurate and current contact information. Law enforcement was also able to document her internal and external injuries and obtain the medical release needed for her reconstructive surgery.
“We know this work saves lives. But it is not easy,” Olson said. “It requires every part of the system to acknowledge that no single agency can prevent domestic violence homicide alone. It requires humility, training, and political will, and it requires investment in the tools, protocols, and infrastructure communities need to act early and act together.”
Rainbow House is proud to serve as the statewide trainer for the Lethality Assessment in Wisconsin, helping communities across the state put this lifesaving tool into practice. More information is available at wisconsinlap.org.
Marinette and Oconto Counties are proud to be part of a growing national movement that believes the worst outcomes of domestic violence are not inevitable. They are predictable. They are preventable. And they demand a coordinated response.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, Rainbow House offers free, confidential help. Call the toll-free 24-hour crisis line at (800) 956-6656. In an emergency, call 911.
About Rainbow House
Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services provides free, confidential support, advocacy, and emergency shelter to those affected by domestic violence in Marinette, Oconto, and Florence Counties, with co-advocacy in neighboring Menominee County, Michigan.
Feb 26, 2026 | Domestic Violence News
https://www.fox6now.com/news/milwaukee-homicides-surge-early-2026-raising-domestic-violence-concerns
Milwaukee homicides surge early in 2026, raising domestic violence concerns
Published January 15, 2026 6:13pm CST
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee is seeing a violent start to 2026, with six people killed in the first 15 days of the year — up 100% from the same period last year
What we know:
Fifteen days into the new year, advocates say the pace of violence is alarming, particularly when it comes to domestic violence. Advocates say about half of the homicides are connected to domestic violence.
“It’s a horrible way to start the year. I worry about the well-being of people in the community,” Sojourner Family Peace Center President Carmen Pitre said. “We really need to make it acceptable for people to ask for help and be able to get help.”
On Jan. 5, 22-year-old Gladys Johnson was found dead inside a home near 26th Street and Locust Street. Johnson, a pregnant mother, was killed in a fire. Police arrested the father of her 3-year-old child and unborn child, charging him with arson.
Wednesday night, police say 29-year-old Alicia Machnick was found shot and killed inside a Milwaukee motel. A 29-year-old man was arrested, and family members told FOX6 the suspect was her boyfriend.
Milwaukee is seeing a violent start to 2026, with six people killed in the first 15 days of the year
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee is seeing a violent start to 2026, with six people killed in the first 15 days of the year — up 100% from the same period last year.
What we know:
Fifteen days into the new year, advocates say the pace of violence is alarming, particularly when it comes to domestic violence. Advocates say about half of the homicides are connected to domestic violence.
Scene near 23rd and Capitol, Milwaukee
“It’s a horrible way to start the year. I worry about the well-being of people in the community,” Sojourner Family Peace Center President Carmen Pitre said. “We really need to make it acceptable for people to ask for help and be able to get help.”
On Jan. 5, 22-year-old Gladys Johnson was found dead inside a home near 26th Street and Locust Street. Johnson, a pregnant mother, was killed in a fire. Police arrested the father of her 3-year-old child and unborn child, charging him with arson.
Wednesday night, police say 29-year-old Alicia Machnick was found shot and killed inside a Milwaukee motel. A 29-year-old man was arrested, and family members told FOX6 the suspect was her boyfriend.
Scene near Appleton and Silver Spring, Milwaukee
“Stop the violence – love one another,” said Kathy Perry, who lives in Milwaukee.
The Office of Community Wellness and Safety says it is disturbed by the early numbers but remains committed to prevention and intervention.
“We have to ramp up our street outreach,” said Karin Tyler, Office of Community Wellness. “We can’t sit behind desks, we need to be out there.”
What they’re saying:
Advocates say resources remain available and stress the importance of continuing efforts to reverse the trend.
Police say that in all of 2025, 16 of the city’s 142 homicides were classified as domestic violence-related.
By Milwaukee police’s count, there has been one domestic violence-related homicide so far this year.
Advocates note that part of the challenge in reporting these cases is that police and advocacy groups track domestic violence differently.
What you can do:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and needs help, call or text the Sojourner Family Peace Center. You can call Sojourner’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 414-933-2722 or text 414-877-8100 for help.
Feb 26, 2026 | Domestic Violence News
The Erica Anderson Memorial Scholarship was created to honor the memory of Erica Anderson, who was lost to domestic violence in Marinette County in October 2024. Established by her family, this scholarship reflects their courage and their commitment to turning grief into purpose — and into lasting change.
The scholarship offers $1,000 to a high school senior who creates the best 1.5″ – 2″ sticker promoting domestic violence awareness. By reaching young people through creative expression, the scholarship both supports education and sparks vital community conversations about an issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
Nov 30, 2023 | Domestic Violence News
Domestic Violence Gun Restriction – Milwaukee Mayor Signs Resolution
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed a non-binding resolution Wednesday that hopes to reduce the number of domestic violence-related shootings. An abuser’s access to guns can mean the difference between life and death for thousands of victims and survivors. Lawmakers said the effort to prohibit people convicted of domestic violence-related disorderly conduct from having firearms can save lives and keep communities safe.”I think we’re in a continued cycle of escalation around homicides in the city of Milwaukee related to domestic violence,” said Carmen Pitre, Sojourner Family Peace Center president. “A majority of those are committed with firearms.”
In 2022, the Milwaukee County Domestic Violence High Risk Team reported a nearly 30% increase in cases from the previous year. About 19% of those cases involved a shooting or use of a gun, and about 12% involved a threat to kill using a gun. That’s why there’s a push to keep guns out of the hands of convicted abusers. The city, along with other local and state leaders, proposed barring every person convicted of domestic abuse from legal access to a gun. Johnson said it’s already a federal law, but not a Wisconsin state law.
Mayor signs firearm restriction resolution
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson signed on Wednesday, Nov. 29 a Common Council resolution directing city staff to seek a change in Wisconsin law. “People who have demonstrated violent histories, people in court who have been convicted, must not have easy access to firearms,” Johnson said. Whether it’s someone you work with or someone you worship with, Pitre said everyone has a stake in creating safety not just for survivors but for the community. Right now, the resolution Johnson signed is non-binding – meaning it is a bill the city hopes state legislators will consider signing into law. Lawmakers didn’t provide a clear timeline on when that could happen.
Statement from State Rep. Lisa Subeck (D-Madison):
“Thank you to the City of Milwaukee for making this bill a priority and standing with survivors of domestic violence. Our common sense bill will close this loophole in state law, keeping guns out of the hands of violent criminals and protecting the lives of victims and law enforcement officers.”
Oct 13, 2022 | Domestic Violence News
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At the Institute, we are dedicated to educating professionals as well as those who have experienced strangulation assaults. Survivors of strangulation assaults experience the ultimate robbery of hope. We know just one strangulation occurrence at the hands of an intimate partners means the victim is 750% more likely to die at the hands of their abuser. At the Institute, we believe Survivors can only make the best decisions for themselves and their families when they have all the information and fully understand the lethality of their situation.
We have curated a variety of information and resources aimed to help educate Survivors on the severity of strangulation as well as resources aimed to help Survivors create pathways to safety, health, healing and autonomy.
The Institute would like to thank our Advocacy Advisory Committee, co-chaired by Michelle Morgan and Joyce Bilyeu, for their tireless effort on this project as well as Alliance for Hope International’s Director of Culture and Creative Services, Yesenia Aceves, for her beautiful work in designing and creating our new Survivor Resources web page.
Please take a moment to visit the new Survivor Page on the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention’s websiYoYou will be welcomed to the page by Alliance for Hope’s CEO, Gael Strack, and invited to browse a variety of helpful resources.
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