FINALIST
Sojourner Family Peace Center
619 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in 30 to 60 percent of families where either domestic violence or child maltreatment is identified, it is likely both forms of abuse exist. Sojourner Family Peace Center in Milwaukee is the largest nonprofit provider of domestic violence intervention and prevention services in the state.
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is considered the leading expert on child abuse and the nation’s largest health provider of Child Advocacy Centers.
Together, the two organizations have teamed up to establish the Family Peace Center Partnership, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive services for victims and families impacted by domestic violence.
The partners that will operate in the new Sojourner Family Peace Center are in the process of moving into the facility. The new center is one of the first of its kind in the country, and will provide co-located services and space for law enforcement, the Milwaukee County District Attorney, Milwaukee Public Schools, Legal Action of Wisconsin and other partner organizations in one easily accessible location.
According to Carmen Pitre, executive director of Sojourner Family Peace Center, domestic violence and child abuse have been at crisis levels in Milwaukee for years. Additionally, generational family violence is dangerous and costly to the community and long-term prevention is critical.
Sojourner has developed a strategic plan to guide agency activities for the next five years in collaboration with Children’s Hospital and its other community partners.
“Studies show that 80 percent of the incarcerated have either witnessed or experienced violence as a child, underscoring the need to create a better response to family violence,” said Kent Lovern, chief deputy district attorney for Milwaukee County.
