CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WLAX/WEUX) – As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, a new report shows homicide numbers from those incidents are up. 1 in every 6 domestic violence deaths in the country happens in Wisconsin. That’s according to the 2022 “End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin Homicide” report.

It also says 96 people were killed in a domestic violence-related homicide in the state in 2022, up 20% from 2021. The Family Support Center in Chippewa Falls offers safety planning for survivors of domestic violence. Resource Development Coordinator, Xander Bobolz, says, “Even though no situation will 100% align with your safety plan, it gives you some idea of what to do if violence does occur. safety planning can include an escape route from a home. What belongings can someone take with them when they’re fleeing an abusive situation? Is there technology being monitored? Do they have any financial freedom to be able to support themselves? And so, these are all things that advocates will work with the victim on.”

These centers say the first thing you should do is call them if you need any help with domestic violence issues, there is a 24-hour crisis hotline that you can call as well.