Milwaukee Grieves Helen Clark as Family Calls Out Deadly Silence on Abuse

On Milwaukee’s north side, grief has turned into a call to action after the killing of Helen Clark, the youngest of nine siblings. Clark was found dead at her home last week. Police say she was attacked by someone she knew, who later took their own life. In the days since, relatives have gathered, released balloons in her honor and urged neighbors to speak up about abusive relationships instead of keeping quiet.

Family members described Clark as “a sweetheart” who “loved everybody” and devoted much of her time to volunteering and caring for nieces and nephews, according to TMJ4. Loved ones told reporters that investigators from the Milwaukee Police Department came to a family member’s door last week to deliver the news no one ever wants to hear. The pain is compounded by a haunting parallel: their aunt, Helen L. Clark Finch, was killed in a similar domestic violence-related incident on May 31, 2005.

Advocates say the Clark family’s plea to “speak up” carries real weight in Wisconsin, where domestic violence deaths have been climbing. End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin’s 2024 homicide report found that more than 100 people in the state lost their lives to domestic violence last year. The group notes that firearms are the most common method used in those killings, a pattern that has fueled local calls for more funding, prevention work and outreach that can help people leave dangerous situations before they turn deadly.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential local support, the Sojourner Family Peace Center operates a 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 414-933-2722 (text 414-877-8100). The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or by texting START to 88788. We Are Here MKE also maintains a directory of culturally specific Milwaukee resources for survivors. Advocates say reaching out to a hotline can be a private first step toward safety.

The family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses, TMJ4 reports. Relatives say their top priority is using Helen’s story to raise awareness and encourage anyone in an abusive situation to get help. “Stop being quiet,” they told reporters, urging people in danger to contact local services or emergency lines before it is too late.

Family members say they hope Helen’s death will push neighbors and officials to do more to protect survivors. For now, they plan to honor her memory by sharing resources, speaking out about domestic violence and reminding the community that help is available 24 hours a day.