Injury and Violence Prevention Program
Wisconsin Injury and Violence Prevention Summit 2026
The 2026 summit is scheduled for June 10-11! Learn about the summit's theme, objectives, and how to submit a proposal to present during the summit by visiting the event webpage.
Our program
In 2023, injury and violence in Wisconsin accounted for over 25,000 non-fatal hospitalizations, more than 391,000 emergency room visits, and more than 6,000 deaths. Of the 2023 deaths due to injury, 19.7% were intentional (self-inflicted or homicide) according to data accessible on the WISH (Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health) query system webpage.
Injury is recognized nationally and in Wisconsin as a threat to public health. Rather than being random, unpredictable, and unavoidable occurrences, injuries can be understood and prevented. The broad category of injury is generally divided into:
- Unintentional injuries (such as falls, poisonings, motor vehicle crashes, and others).
- Intentional injuries (homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and others).
The Wisconsin Injury Prevention and Control Statute (Wis. Stat. § 255.20, which can be read on the Wisconsin State Legislature website) directs the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to maintain an Injury Prevention Program that includes data collection, surveillance, education, and the promotion of intervention; provides local agencies with technical assistance for effective program development and evaluation; and collaborates with other state agencies to reduce intentional and unintentional injuries.
The Wisconsin Injury and Violence Prevention Program uses multiple prevention measures to create safer communities by addressing the shared, underlying causes of injury and violence.
Injury prevention and safety
Injuries have many causes, and injury prevention takes many forms. Select from the following topics to learn more about different forms of injury and strategies to help people avoid them.
Traumatic brain injury
Brain injuries can cause lifelong impacts.
Fall prevention
Falls are one of the top causes of injury in Wisconsin.
Fireworks safety
Fireworks can make for a memorable celebration, but it's important to use them safely.
Toy safety
Kids love a new toy, but even the most common toys can be hazardous.
Halloween safety
Some injuries can be downright scary.
Burn prevention
Safe practices and safety equipment can reduce the likelihood of burns
Traffic safety
Safe drivers and safe roads mean fewer crashes.
Violence prevention
Local coalitions, community-based agencies, and community members in Wisconsin are taking active steps to reduce violence in our state. Learn about different violence prevention efforts in Wisconsin by choosing from the following topics.
Suicide prevention
Suicide is a leading cause of death in Wisconsin. Statewide efforts are working to change that.
Self-harm
Self-harm is not often discussed, but it's more common than many think.
Sexual violence
Sexual violence affects us all.
Injury and violence through the life cycle
The Wisconsin Injury and Violence Prevention Program examines the impacts of injury and violence early in life as well as violent death data in the state.
Childhood experiences
Both positive and negative events during childhood can shape life-long health.
Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System (WVDRS)
The WVDRS contains data on violent death in Wisconsin across several categories.
Wisconsin Violence and Injury Prevention Partnership
The Wisconsin Violence and Injury Prevention Partnership (WIVIPP) brings together injury and violence prevention professionals from across Wisconsin to create safe and injury-free communities for all. WIVIPP works within a social justice and health equity framework to address the disproportionate burden of injury and violence among marginalized populations across the state. WIVIPP’s mission is to prevent violence and injuries among Wisconsin residents using data, collaborative partnerships, and leveraging of resources.
Membership in WIVIPP is open to individuals and organizations who are committed to the reduction and prevention of injury and violence in Wisconsin. If you are interested in joining the partnership as an individual or as an organizational representative, please reach out to Rebecca Gonnering, Injury and Violence Prevention Coordinator, by phone 920-448-5226 or by emailing Rebecca at Rebecca.Gonnering@dhs.wisconsin.gov.