Milwaukee Participants Held Annual 5K for Victims
The #LETTHEMLIVE 5K honored a local dental hygienist and domestic violence survivors.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Violence
Approximately 300 people gathered at the Milwaukee lakefront to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Participants honored the memory of Kamonti McFarlane, a dental hygienist who was killed in 2025.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the ongoing impact of domestic violence in Wisconsin amid significant reductions in support resources. Organizers emphasized the necessity of community advocacy for survivors and victims.
Wisconsin recorded 101 domestic violence deaths in 2025, up from 98 in 2024. State nonprofit organizations faced federal funding cuts of 80% or more during the same period.
The players
Kamonti McFarlane
She was a 45-year-old dental hygienist who worked with Milwaukee Health Services Inc. for 19 years before her death.
Milwaukee Health Services Inc.
This organization provides comprehensive healthcare services to the Milwaukee community.
The details
The event featured a tribute to Kamonti McFarlane, who spent 19 years as a dental hygienist and left behind a legacy through organ donation. Attendees honored her life while raising awareness for the 69 lives lost to domestic violence in Wisconsin so far in 2026.
Timeline
98 deaths due to domestic violence occurred in 2024.
Kamonti McFarlane was killed and 101 domestic violence deaths occurred in 2025.
The seventh annual #LETTHEMLIVE 5K took place on October 3, 2026.
Legal Context
The event reflects a broader struggle among regional support providers grappling with the 80% federal funding reduction for Wisconsin domestic violence nonprofits. This fiscal shift has forced local agencies to rely more heavily on community engagement to maintain victim support services.
Residents can utilize the state's domestic violence resource directory to access support services or volunteer with local advocacy groups. The event encourages community members to engage with the ongoing needs of survivors and victim support networks.
The takeaway
Domestic violence remains a critical public health concern that relies on community solidarity during periods of limited institutional funding. Supporters are encouraged to sustain awareness efforts throughout the year to protect and assist survivors.
Further reading
Learn more about local community safety efforts in our Milwaukee Violence section.
More information
For those seeking support or information, visit the statewide domestic violence resource directory.
