Family Support Center (FSC) has partnered with local law enforcement agencies since 2020 to implement the Lethality Assessment Protocol (LAP) across Chippewa County. When officers from the Chippewa Falls Police Department (CFPD), Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Lake Hallie Police Department (LHPD) respond to incidents of domestic violence, they administer a lethality screener. If the victim is at a high risk of being killed by their intimate partner, they are connected to FSC.
In 2025:
- 117 lethality screeners were administered to victims of domestic violence between CFPD, CCSO, and LHPD.
- This is an increase from the 111 screeners administered in 2024.
- 55 (47%) of these screeners were considered a high-lethality risk.
- 83% of people who set up an appointment with an advocate received free and confidential services at FSC.
Jeni H., Domestic Violence Program Director at FSC, says, “This program literally saves lives, and we are proud to operate it here in Chippewa County.”
Travis Hakes, Chippewa County Sheriff, says, “I believe that collaborative efforts such as these are instrumental in public safety, and the work done at the Family Support Center saves lives.”
Ryan Douglas, Chief of Police for CFPD, says, “our continued efforts and collaboration are clearly making a substantive difference for our community and citizens. CFPD is committed to providing resources and ensuring victim’s rights.”
The annual Wisconsin Domestic Violence Homicide Report was released in October 2025 by End Abuse WI, a statewide anti-violence coalition. In 2024, 110 people in Wisconsin died due to domestic violence homicides and family violence. Risk factors include threats to use a weapon, actual use of a weapon, stalking, strangulation, obsessive jealousy, and sexual assault. These risk factors are included on the LAP screener that CFPD, CCSO, and LHPD officers use when responding to domestic incidents.
Many LAP calls are made to FSC after hours and are taken by on-call volunteers. If you, or someone you know, wants to be an on-call volunteer, please reach out to Xander at resourcedev@fsccf.org. If you are in law enforcement and want to bring LAP to your agency, please reach out to Jeni at dadirector@fsccf.org.
