Wisconsin and Bucks Launched Abuse Awareness Campaign

The Real Love is Respect initiative aims to reduce violence and stigma throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Violence

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a simplified geometric bridge over water, evoking themes of support and stability. — Governor Tony Evers and the Milwaukee Bucks have launched the Real Love is Respect campaign to combat domestic violence across Wisconsin. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Governor Tony Evers and the Milwaukee Bucks have partnered to launch the Real Love is Respect campaign. Supported by a $200,000 state investment, the initiative seeks to educate the public on recognizing abuse and healthy relationship boundaries.

Why it matters

The campaign addresses a critical public safety need in Wisconsin, where domestic violence resulted in 99 deaths during 2024. Officials aim to reduce the stigma surrounding intimate partner violence to encourage victims to seek help.

In 2024, domestic violence was a factor in 53 percent of female homicides in Wisconsin, with 71 percent of all domestic violence deaths involving a firearm. The Evers Administration has backed the initiative with a $200,000 investment.

The players

Tony Evers

Tony Evers is the Governor of Wisconsin who signed legislation creating the state's Office of Violence Prevention.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are a professional basketball team in the NBA that is partnering with the state government for this awareness campaign.

The details

The campaign utilizes digital advertising and a game night takeover during the Milwaukee Bucks versus Indiana Pacers matchup to reach a wide audience. It provides resources for identifying the signs of domestic abuse and fostering healthy relationship boundaries.

Domestic violence homicides increased by 20 percent between 2021 and 2022.
Wisconsin recorded a record 99 domestic violence deaths in 2024.
The Real Love is Respect campaign officially launched on October 1, 2026.
A campaign takeover is scheduled for the Bucks versus Pacers game on October 26, 2026.

Legal Context

The Real Love is Respect campaign follows the policy framework set by 2023 Wisconsin Act 241, which directed $10 million toward statewide violence prevention efforts. This initiative further builds upon Executive Order #254, which established the Wisconsin Office of Violence Prevention.

Residents can access new educational materials focused on recognizing healthy relationship boundaries and abuse indicators. These resources are designed to help community members identify risks and provide support to those impacted by domestic violence.

The takeaway

Domestic violence remains a lethal issue in Wisconsin, with firearms involved in a majority of recent fatalities. Experts suggest that early recognition of abuse patterns is a key strategy for community members to improve safety and support survivors.