A one-stop-shop for abuse victims: Gov. Walker, advocates celebrate new family justice center

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Wisconsin is being hailed as the nation's leader when it comes to helping victims of domestic violence. More than $25 million has been raised to build a one-of-a-kind "one stop" center for victims.

"It is a glorious day," Sojourner Family Peace Center Executive Director Carmen Pitre said.

Domestic violence advocates gathered with Governor Scott Walker on Monday, March 30th to highlight the nation's most comprehensive center for domestic violence victims.

"Today, you have set the standard for what is the family justice center model in America. Wisconsin has taken this San Diego dream and put it on steroids," Family Justice Center Alliance President Casey Gwinn said.

Governor Walker pledged more than $10 million to the project -- the largest public investment ever made to a domestic violence center in the nation's history.

"It's something we hope will be a model not only around the state, but around the country where all of the services are together in one spot," Governor Walker said.

The idea of a one-stop-shop for abuse victims grew out of the data, which shows victims are most vulnerable in the days following their decision to leave abusive homes. When they have to shuffle around, from offices and centers, they're at a great risk.

"Having all those services in one place is critically important because someone doesn't have to leave the shelter to figure out what to do with the kids, what to do with social services, what to do with the criminal justice system," Governor Walker said.

Ground was broken on the project last fall. The skeleton of the building is under construction on the corner of 6th and Walnut in Milwaukee. When it is complete, victims will have access to housing, mental health counseling, drug and alcohol counseling, job skills training, child abuse services, legal counsel and government offices for the District Attorney, the police and Milwaukee Public Schools all under one roof.

"This will be a statewide resource to and show how people can get assistance in one place at one time in a way that will make sure they a d their families are safe going forward," Governor Walker said.

The shelter is set to open later this year.