‘A way out’ for those facing violence and abuse

In northern Wisconsin, New Day Advocacy Center provides shelter, counselling advocacy and support

Physical safety. Protection and advocacy. A way out.

These are what victims of family violence and sexual abuse urgently need, and it’s what they will find at New Day Advocacy Center (NDAC) in Ashland, Wisconsin, a small city of 8,000 on the shore of Lake Superior.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for victim supports has been rising.

“In 2023, we served 294 people, which was a 15% increase over 2022,” says NDAC’s executive director Lyle Poppe.

“We're in a very rural, sparsely populated area. To have 294 victims who need support is astronomical,” he adds. “It speaks to the need for these services and for education and outreach work to prevent victimization going forward.”

NDAC’s assistance is broad, covering a range of services to keep victims safe. The non-profit offers emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, counselling, advocacy and financial support, in addition to life-skills education and career services. They deliver education and awareness campaigns to prevent human trafficking and to help people recognize and prevent bullying, controlling and abusive behaviors.

They also help their clients plan how they can get out of dangerous and unhealthy situations.

“A big part of our work is helping people with safety planning,” Poppe says, noting the work is specific to each person and their relationship with the perpetrator. “We ask, who are safe people in your life? How can you get out of an emergency situation? What are the key markers that something is going to happen, so you know how to react to keep safe?”

This work is essential and can be life-saving. He shares a sobering statistic: 96 people died of causes directly related to domestic violence in Wisconsin in 2023.