Gov. Evers, DHS Release Statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan

Gov. Evers, DHS Release Statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan

Outlines five priority areas for public health agencies and partners to reduce injury and violence

Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched a statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan today, outlining five areas for reducing injuries, experiences of violence, and violent deaths in Wisconsin. The plan marks the first statewide injury and violence prevention plan in over a decade and was developed alongside state partners and focus groups.

"There's always more work we can do to reduce crime and violence and help make kids, families, and communities across Wisconsin safer," said Gov. Evers. "For the first time in over ten years, we have a plan that represents the shared vision for injury and violence prevention in Wisconsin and provides a roadmap to continue this important work over the next five years."

The Wisconsin Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan focuses on five topics of highest priority to Wisconsinites:

1. Child maltreatment and abuse
2. Intimate partner assault
3. Intentional firearm injuries
4. Unintentional drug overdoses
5. Self-harm and suicide

The plan comes at a time when Wisconsin has seen a decline in violent deaths, driven mainly by decreases in homicides. Since 2022, Wisconsin has experienced a 19% decrease in homicides overall, with a 25% decline in firearm homicides, mirroring trends at the national level. For the first time since 2018, overall firearm deaths in Wisconsin decreased in 2023 and 2024. During that time, Wisconsin experienced an 11% decrease in overall firearm deaths, compared to an 8% decline nationwide.

"In public health, a core piece of what we do is bring together partners from across the state to develop solutions and advance work which will continually improve health and well-being in every corner of Wisconsin," said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. "This comprehensive plan aligns with the incredible work going on in communities across the state."

Intimate partner violence remains a major driver in homicides of women in Wisconsin. In 2023, intimate partner violence was a contributing factor in at least 49% of homicide deaths of women in our state.

Under the Evers' Administration, Wisconsin has made significant investments in injury and violence prevention, including establishing a statewide Office of Violence Prevention in the Department of Administration, hiring the office's first director, and launching a violence prevention grant program that has awarded $15 million in funding through 73 grants to school districts, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, firearms dealers, and government agencies across Wisconsin. Earlier this year, Gov. Evers also announced a partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks to raise awareness and prevent domestic violence across Wisconsin.

"Every day, organizations and individuals work to protect against hazards that cause injury, harm, or death. This plan, alongside the work of schools, law enforcement, nonprofits, and more is one part of the broad, coordinated work to keep our communities safer," said Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator of the Division of Public Health. "This unique opportunity brings our partners together to collaborate and explore new ways to address complicated issues, and we are excited by its potential to shape a safer Wisconsin for all of us."

View the full strategic plan (PDF)