Leaders talk rise in domestic violence homicides in Milwaukee, solutions on how to help stop the problem
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As people shelter in place to help stop spread of the Coronavirus, there’s a growing concern in Milwaukee: domestic violence.
“I think what this pandemic has exposed are the social injustices, social inequities and the other pandemics that we’ve been living with as a society every day," said Reggie Moore, director of Milwaukee's Office of Violence Prevention (OVP).
The OVP reports 23 domestic violence homicides so far in 2020.
That’s compared to four from this same time last year.
On Tuesday, 48-year-old Cathy King was shot and killed at a Walgreens on the city’s north side.
Police say the shooter, a 51-year-old man, was in a relationship with King.
Criminal charges are expected.
“In order for us to eliminate domestic violence, we have to have men standing against it as well," said Shawn Muhammad of The ASHA Project.
Accountability and mentorship, especially for younger men, were shared concerns among those on the call.
“One of the best tools we believe that can work to help young people turn around is men being able to share their stories, and being able to make sure that they can correct potentially some of the mistakes that our young people might have and or see," said LaNelle Ramey of Mentor MKE and the City of Milwaukee Board of Health.
Self-assessment was also a task given by local advocates. It was a push for listeners to learn the types and signs of violence.
“If people do not know what it means to be financially abusive, to be emotionally abusive, to be a manipulator they may end up creating issues of abuse," said Vaun Mayes of Community Taskforce MKE.
The leaders also put the reminder that abusers can be men or women, in any type of relationship.
If you need help or know someone who does, you can visit www.StayHomeMKE.com or call 2-1-1.
If you, or someone, is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
The Alma Center and ASHA Project provide services for men who want to stop abuse.
- Alma Center: 414-265-0100
- ASHA Project: 414-252-0075
To find other resources on the Office of Violence Prevention website, click here.