Number
141587
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. HAMILTON, COGGS, KOVAC, WADE, STAMPER, DONOVAN, PUENTE AND DAVIS
Title
Resolution designating May as Violence Prevention Month in Milwaukee.
Analysis
This resolution designates May, commencing May 2015, as the annual Violence Prevention Month to promote non-violence in the city of Milwaukee, and urges all city residents, neighborhoods, non-profit and faith-based organizations to join in the effort to reduce violence in the city.
Body
Whereas, Violent crimes impose a serious threat to the health and safety of individuals and families within the city of Milwaukee, resulting in injury, disability and premature death; and
Whereas, Each year, thousands of individuals and families in Milwaukee bear the physical, mental and economic costs of violence; and
Whereas, Contributing factors of violence consist of low levels of education, concentrated poverty, unemployment and social norms supportive of violence; and
Whereas, Violence discourages economic development in distressed areas in the city of Milwaukee, thereby affecting the accessibility of jobs and safe neighborhoods; and
Whereas, Since 2010, there has been an increase in violent crimes in Milwaukee, consisting of homicides, robberies and forcible rape; and
Whereas, Violent crimes such as forcible rape and robberies increased from 2010 to 2013; and
Whereas, In 2013, there were 106 homicides in Milwaukee, which was the highest number of homicides in the city since 2005; and
Whereas, Family violence homicides, including domestic violence, child abuse/neglect, and shaken baby deaths increased, contributing to the city's infant mortality crisis; and
Whereas, Violence is preventable and its impacts can be reduced with violence prevention strategies and increased awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer and more caring neighborhoods; and
Whereas, A case study conducted by the Center for American Progress titled, The Economic Benefits of Reducing Violent Crimes in 2012, reported that if Milwaukee reduced violent crime by 25%, the City government would save $12.3 million, which could benefit community development efforts in the City; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council designates the month of May annually as Violence Prevention Month to promote non-violence; and
Further Resolved, That community leaders, members and organizations are urged to participate in activities in which support the practice of nonviolence in the City of Milwaukee; and
Further Resolved, That the Health Department, in conjunction with the Police Department, shall be responsible for promoting Violence Prevention Month; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council urges all city residents, neighborhoods, non-profit and faith-based organizations to join in the effort to reduce violence in the city.
Drafter
LRB 156253-1
La-Wanda G. Fletcher
December 12, 2014