Protecting Our Most Vulnerable

Hi Everyone,

Making Wisconsin a great place to live, work, and raise a family is a priority our administration takes seriously.  We want to make sure all Wisconsinites feel safe and supported in our state. 

We’ve proclaimed this week Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Wisconsin to show support of Wisconsin’s most vulnerable and highlight the importance of crime victims’ rights.  We recognize that every year, crime touches the lives of thousands of Wisconsinites throughout the state.  That’s why we’ve developed a number of programs and resources to assist victims of crime, including the Office of Crime Victim Services at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Victim Services and Programs at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC), and county Victim Wellness units.  Additionally, we help victims navigate the criminal justice system, receive compensation for financial losses, and gain restorative justice.  You can view our Crime Victims’ Rights Week proclamation here.

We also signed eight bills into law this week to protect and enhance the rights of those affected by domestic violence.  Protecting the citizens of our great state has always been a priority for us.  In 2014, we signed bipartisan legislation into law enhancing protections for victims of domestic violence.  This year, we reinforced our commitment to addressing domestic violence in Wisconsin and assisting victims by increasing domestic violence abuse grants by $5 million in the 2015-17 biennial budget – a 50 percent increase in state funding!

Earlier this month, we proclaimed April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness month throughout the state.  This week in Madison and Milwaukee, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) participated in two pinwheel garden planting ceremonies.  The pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention, symbolizing that all children deserve happy, healthy, and safe lives.  A copy of our Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month proclamation can be found here.

Part of our job is to ensure the safety and wellness of all Wisconsin’s citizens, but we have a special duty to protect our most vulnerable.  For the month of April, we’re working to raise awareness about child abuse in Wisconsin and looking for ways we can end this abuse.  Looking forward, we’re continuing to find new ways to work with law enforcement officers and child welfare agencies to protect our children from harm and build a stronger Wisconsin for future generations.

It has been a pleasure communicating with you.  It is an honor to serve as your Governor and represent the residents of Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Governor Scott Walker