04 January 2025

MEMORANDUM FOR The Department of Military Affairs
SUBJECT:  Domestic Violence Reporting – TAG POLICY MEMORANDUM 27

1. Domestic violence is a national public health issue, a crime, and is contrary to the core values of military service. The Wisconsin National Guard is committed to the safety and well-being of Servicemembers and their Families. Supporting Families includes establishing domestic violence reporting procedures and connecting victims to community resources.
2. Wisconsin Statue 968.075 defines abuse as the intentional infliction of physical pain, illness, or injury; intentional impairment of physical condition; sexual assault; or physical act that causes the other person to fear that any of these actions will occur. Misdemeanor convictions are applicable to 18 U.S.C. §92l(a)(33)(A), the Lautenberg Amendment.
3. Pursuant to Wisconsin State Statutes, 48.981 and 46.90, reports of neglect or abuse of children, the elderly, or at-risk adults must be reported to local law enforcement or Child Protective Services (CPS).
4. Domestic violence hinders the safety and well-being of military Families. I fully support a victim-centered approach to domestic violence reporting that gives victims a voice and a choice, while encouraging victims to seek help and end unhealthy relationships. Victims may elect to report incidents confidentially or with chain of command notification. Regardless of reporting process elected, all victims will be provided with information and be referred to resources in their local community.
5. Domestic violence awareness and response will be coordinated by the Wellness and Resilience Directorate. The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce will work with unit leaders to engage Servicemembers early and throughout their career to develop communication and management skills that decrease the risk for domestic violence. Additionally, the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce will identify protective and risk factors that contribute to domestic violence that will be used to assist commanders with developing strategic plans to promote healthy and safe relationships throughout a Servicemember’s military career.
6. Domestic violence incidents should be reported to the Wellness and Resilience Directorate Soldier & Family Readiness Services Team who will assist victims with domestic violence reporting and connecting with community-based trauma-informed services. This team serves Army and Air. Victims should contact the Soldier & Family Readiness Services Team by calling 1-800-292-9464, option 1. If a victim is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement by dialing 911.
7. The point of contact for this policy is the Joint Wellness and Resilience Directorate Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce. The Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce Specialist for Domestic Violence may be contacted at 1420 Wright Street Madison, WI 53704, office telephone: 608-242-3742 or email: ng.wi.wiarng.mbx.j9-ippw@army.mil.

David W. May
Brigadier General
Interim Adjutant General of Wisconsin