For the second year, the City of Milwaukee will recognize May as Violence Prevention Month. Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, the city’s Office of Violence Prevention, the Milwaukee Police Department and many other partners throughout the city have dedicated their full support to this annual initiative with a slate of events that are planned throughout the month (please see the attached list of events).
“As city leaders, we constantly strive to reduce violence, especially during the summer months when crime spikes the most,” President Hamilton said. “We encourage residents to take action to promote peace where they live, work, worship and play. This is an important opportunity to speak out and take a proactive stand against violence in every form.”
President Hamilton said that the community needs to band together to prevent crime and protect their neighborhoods by vigilantly maintaining awareness of the area and calling police if they observe suspicious behavior.
“The Milwaukee Police Department supports efforts to recognize May as Violence Prevention Month and is committed to reducing violence every month of the year,” Police Chief Edward Flynn said. “Our recent announcement that Milwaukee is joining the U.S. Department of Justice’s Violence Reduction Network highlights our desire to work with partners, both in law enforcement and in the community, to adopt comprehensive crime-fighting strategies.”
The City’s Office of Violence Prevention backs efforts throughout the city that promote peace through youth engagement and strong neighborhoods. Its efforts are part of a critical partnership with community institutions like the Milwaukee Police Department. Together they promote peace and build community year-round.
President Hamilton asked residents to support and participate in the planned violence prevention events. He invites neighbors to contact the Office of Violence Prevention (414-286-8553) for information about city efforts to address violence through effective resident engagement, education and coordinated intervention.
Violence Prevention Month events range from an “International Stop the Violence Prayer Walk” on May 21st at King Solomon Baptist Church to a “Heal the Hood” block party at N. 1st Street and Keefe Avenue on May 28th and 29th.
