As Domestic Violence Awareness Month nears its end, the Sheboygan Police Department is speaking out on what the numbers say in Wisconsin.
Each year since 2000, Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services and End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin have gathered and analyzed data surrounding domestic violence-related deaths.
In 2025, 101 people in Wisconsin died in such incidents, with 72% of those deaths involving a firearm, and when a domestic violence assault involved a gun, it was 12 times more likely to result in death.
Furthermore, 32% of the time, those firearms were used by someone who was legally prohibited from using one.
There were also 13 domestic violence murder suicides in Wisconsin last year, all of which involved a firearm.
The findings also showed that 86% of the harm-doers in these domestic violence-related deaths were male, while three Wisconsinites were killed while attempting to help a domestic violence victim.
When discussing the 2025 statistics, SPD’s Victim Services Division said bluntly, “The statistics are alarming…The data calls for action.”
When addressing those locally who may be experiencing domestic violence, Victim Services said, “Safety planning is critical for a victim wanting to leave an abusive situation, as we know the time of reporting/leaving is the most dangerous. If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship or household and needs support, please reach out to a local or national advocacy group or a victim serving agency.”
Since Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services and End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin began tracking deaths, more than 1,500 people have lost their lives in Wisconsin due to domestic violence.
The complete 2025 report can be found online by visiting endabusewi.org.
While Domestic Violence Awareness Month ends on October 31st, the numbers show that domestic violence-related deaths continue to be a firearm- and male-dominated issue that requires more than a month’s worth of action to root out.
