August 28, 2009 

NEWS FROM THE MAYOR

Dear Friends,

Nearly two weeks ago, my family and I came upon the scene of a domestic violence incident in a West Allis neighborhood.  The situation resulted in a brutal attack which affected me, my family and a West Allis woman and her grandchild.  My family and I are deeply touched by the outpouring of concern and well wishes we've received over the last several days and we are especially grateful for the excellent work of law enforcement, paramedics and hospital staff.  After a period of recovery, we will be fine.

The incident has raised awareness of the pervasiveness of domestic violence in our community and throughout the country.  Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender.  Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.  Victims can be married, dating, family members, seniors and persons with disabilities, with violence sometimes perpetrated by their caregivers.  Abuse is not just physical battering, but also includes sexual assault and emotional or psychological abuse, and generally escalates over a period of time.

Children who witness family violence are affected in ways similar to children who are physically abused.  Experts tell us of significant connections between childhood trauma, living in constant fear and a child's ability to learn, to develop healthy relationships and even to repeat violent behavior.

• Last year, the Milwaukee Police Department responded to over 7,000 domestic violence calls.
• In 2008, the Domestic Violence Hotline, operated by Sojourner Family Peace Center, received over 16,000 calls from area law enforcement, victims and family members.
• One in four women, and one in nine men in the U.S. report that they were victims of some form of family violence at some point in their lives (Centers for Disease Control).

The City's Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and its member organizations stand ready to assist persons affected by family violence.  Call the Commission at 286-2997 for resource information.  The Domestic Violence Hotline provides crisis intervention, information and referral to victims of domestic violence, perpetrators, friends and families 24 hours a day.  The hotline number is 933-2722.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

No family should have to live in fear for their safety.  Our most important priority should be to build and preserve healthy, strong families free from the fear of violence because healthy, strong families make for a healthy, strong Milwaukee.

Sincerely,

Mayor, City of Milwaukee  

Visit my website at: http://www.city.milwaukee.gov/mayor