Project Summary:
The goal of this summit is to strengthen the capacity of Wisconsin healthcare professionals to identify, respond to, and support individuals impacted by domestic violence, ultimately reducing further harm and lethality.
Domestic violence is associated with physical injury, chronic health conditions, mental health disorders, substance use, and increased risk of homicide. The need for improved healthcare response is especially urgent in Wisconsin, where 110 individuals lost their lives due to domestic violence in 2024, the highest number ever recorded in the state.
Healthcare providers are often among the first professionals to interact with survivors, yet many receive limited training on recognizing warning signs, assessing risk, responding to disclosures using trauma-informed practices, and connecting patients with community resources.
This summit, with the help of our collaborators, will equip participants with the knowledge and skills they can immediately apply in their professional roles. As a result, the summit will improve survivor safety through effective assessment and intervention and improve health outcomes for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Educational sessions will include Domestic Violence 101, strangulation recognition and response, rural healthcare challenges and resources, trauma-informed care, youth advocacy and prevention education, interactive scenario-based learning, and community referral practices. Content will be delivered through keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, interactive activities, and networking opportunities to maximize engagement.
Organizers aim to achieve the following learning objectives: 75% of survey respondents report increased knowledge of domestic violence indicators in healthcare settings, referral pathways and available community resources, and greater confidence in responding to domestic violence-related situations within their professional roles.
The audience that will attend the learning event includes health workforce across the Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin, including physicians, nurses and SANE nurses, advanced practice clinicians, behavioral health and social work staff, care coordinators, EMS, law enforcement, fire department and clinic and health-system leadership. The primary geographic areas represented include Winnebago, Green Lake, Outagamie, Calumet, and Brown County.
Promotion of the event will occur through established partnerships with healthcare providers, including ThedaCare, Aurora Health Care, and Ascension, as well as through targeted promotional materials and outreach efforts. The anticipated number of participants is 150.