City advances efforts to provide additional resources, protections in areas of domestic violence and sexual assault

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in recent weeks, the City of Milwaukee has taken action to further support those affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. As part of last week’s Common Council meeting, the Council adopted file #240852 –  a resolution amending the City of Milwaukee’s legislative package to seek introduction and passage of state legislation requiring nursing home and community-based residential facility management to notify staff, residents and residents’ families if a sex offender resides or works in the facility. The file, sponsored by Alderwoman Larresa Taylor, seeks to provide extra protection and information to a vulnerable popular.

“Currently, State law does not require management at nursing homes or community-based residential facilities to notify staff, residents or residents’ families that a sex offender resides or works in the facility. I believe that this is information that should be available so the people who work and reside, and residents’ family members, in these facilities can make informed decisions,” said Alderwoman Taylor

Additionally, the Milwaukee Police Department continues to advance the use of “soft rooms” throughout the city. These spaces are designed to make crime victims feel more comfortable speaking with police officers. Currently, there are four rooms total in the stations of police districts 3, 4 and 6, along with the Police Administration Building, with the intent of having one soft room in each district station moving forward. The soft rooms were funded by an amendment to the 2024 city budget advocated for by Alderwoman Taylor.

“I thought it was critical that our law enforcement had these spaces that had proven successful elsewhere. Those who have gone through a traumatic experience might have difficulty sharing what happened, and if we can create a space that makes the process even slightly more comforting then that is a resounding success for everyone involved. These soft rooms were launched in August and have received positive feedback thus far. I look forward to their expansion into all MPD district stations,” said Alderwoman Taylor.

Additional around the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault can be found at www.milwaukee.gov/doa/Services-and-Programs/staysafe/directory.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.