Press Release: Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address, Joins Milwaukee Bucks to Launch Statewide Campaign Aimed at Preventing Domestic Violence Across Wisconsin

State of Wisconsin sent this bulletin at 10/01/2026 02:20 PM CDT
Office of Governor Tony Evers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026
Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 
 
Gov. Evers Delivers Radio Address, Joins Milwaukee Bucks to Launch Statewide Campaign Aimed at Preventing Domestic Violence Across Wisconsin
 
Audio File of Radio Address.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered his weekly radio address recognizing October as DomesticViolence Awareness Month and celebrating the launch of a new statewide prevention and awareness campaign in partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.

The “Real Love is Respect” campaign, as announced this morning, is aimed at raising awareness of the issue of domestic and intimate partner violence in Wisconsin and connecting people with resources and help if they need it. The partnership, as announced by Gov. Evers earlier this year, is supported by a $200,000 investment by the Evers Administration. The launch of this new partnership comes as, in 2024, Wisconsin saw a record number of domestic violence deaths, claiming the lives of 99 individuals, according to End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin’s most recent annual report. 

In addition to statewide digital advertising, the “Real Love is Respect” campaign will be featured in a game night takeover when the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on Mon., Oct. 26, 2026.

People who have domestic violence concerns of their own or have concerns about a friend or loved one can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788 for free, confidential support available 24/7. The hotline is available in more than 140 languages via an interpreter.  

To learn more about domestic violence prevention or to find additional resources, go to RealLoveIsRespect.wi.gov.  

A transcript of the governor’s radio address is below. 

Hey there, folks! Governor Tony Evers here. 
 
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month here in Wisconsin and across the nation.  
 
Folks, even one life lost to domestic or intimate partner violence is far too many, and as an administration, accepting violence as a foregone conclusion and doing nothing about it was never an option.   
 
Because here’s the facts—and these statistics get me really wound up—domestic violence homicides in Wisconsin jumped by 20 percent between 2021 and 2022. 
 
It was then that we hit a new record high of 96 Wisconsinites murdered in domestic and intimate partner violence incidents. That record only lasted until 2024, when a record 99 Wisconsinites were killed.  
 
Want to know something else? When we look at our neighbors—take Iowa, for example—according to their data, 35 died in 2024. 
 
Wisconsin, we have some serious work to do. 
 
No community is immune from these challenges, and an issue of this magnitude needs a statewide response.  
 
That’s why I launched our statewide Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention and invested $15 million in organizations working to end violence in all its forms.  
 
I also directed more than $150 million in our state’s share of federal relief funds towards violence prevention efforts, including filling gaps in funding for crime victims and survivors. 
 
And this week, we’re thrilled to join our world-champion Milwaukee Bucks to launch a new statewide ad campaign that will focus on raising awareness of domestic violence in Wisconsin communities.  
 
Through this campaign, the state is investing $200,000 to help ensure Wisconsinites all across our state know the signs of abuse, how to get help, and ways to support a loved one who needs help. 
 
Folks, this issue is too darn urgent and too darn important.  
 
Because there is so much work we can do to help stop violence wherever and whenever it happens. Thank you. 
 
An online version of this release is available here.
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