Domestic abuse victims find shelter at Golden House

GREEN BAY, WI – (WGBW) – Golden House is an organization dedicated to providing safety and support for victims of domestic abuse. But it also leads efforts to end domestic violence in the Green Bay area. 

Board President John Kirsch said people know Golden House through the safe house and the facility on University Avenue in Green Bay, but they don’t realize the extent to which it works to help stop domestic violence. It offers counseling, children’s programming, and free life-saving services every day; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Part of the problem with domestic violence is that victims tend to forgive their abusers repeatedly before seeking help.

“The average person does not leave a domestic violence situation the first time it happens,” said Kirsch. “It’s on average at least seven times before somebody leaves that situation.”

You know someone who has been touched by domestic violence

Kirsch says that domestic violence is widespread in our communities.

“You know somebody. I can guarantee from knowing the stats, you know somebody that has gone through it,” said Kirsch.

Kirsch said he offered to work with Golden House because he has a personal connection. His daughter was a victim of domestic violence and was able to break free from the cycle, thanks to Golden House.

“We got what I feel like is life-changing, life-saving support. And you walk out of there and there’s zero dollars,” said Kirsch. “She needed that – that second. She got it with no cost.” 

The new facility

Recently, the Golden House built a 34,000-square-foot facility with more security features and private rooms and spaces for the people who need the shelter.

“Every year, since COVID for sure, but going on, we’ve broken the record for the number of calls and support,” said Kirsh. “It just keeps growing and growing. The building was needed just to keep up with capacity.” 

The Golden House has provided domestic abuse shelter and services for over 44 years in Brown County. In 2023 the Golden House answered 11,804 helpline calls, provided 5,485 services, served 2,533 clients, and sheltered 425 people.