Governor Evers Signs Executive Order Establishing Statewide Office of Violence Prevention

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – January 14, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI – WAVE Educational Fund applauds Governor Evers’ announcement of plans to launch a new statewide Office of Violence Prevention.

The office will focus on interrupting cycles of violence and preventing gun violence. Executive Order #254, which establishes the office, also dedicates $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to achieve these goals. This initiative marks a critical step toward addressing the root causes of violence and fostering safer communities across Wisconsin.

Alarmingly, more than 750 Wisconsinites were killed with guns in just one year, and firearm injuries continue to be the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in Wisconsin.

“Given the devastation and heartbreak gun violence has caused across our state, a bold plan to use an evidence-based, yet community-centered approach to prevention has never been needed more urgently,” stated Jeri Bonavia, Executive Director of WAVE Educational Fund. “ I commend Governor Evers for his leadership, vision, and commitment.”

“The Office of Violence Prevention, working collaboratively with state officials, community leaders, and Wisconsin’s violence prevention coalitions, will mean we can take enormous strides forward in building a future where every Wisconsinite feels safe in their home, neighborhood, and school,” added Nick Matuszewski, WAVE Educational Fund’s Associate Executive Director.

WAVE has advocated for a state Office of Violence Prevention for several years, with the knowledge that states that have comprehensive gun violence prevention policies consistently experience lower rates of gun violence.

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Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE) Educational Fund is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to preventing gun violence, injuries and deaths through education and advocacy. WAVE is the largest and most long-standing gun violence prevention organization in Wisconsin, and has been the state’s leading voice in evidence-based solutions to gun violence for nearly 30 years.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.