Rising Crime Rate in Milwaukee is a Growing Concern During the Pandemic

“Mom, you just get up and keep going no matter what happens.”

That was an awareness moment for Missy Edwards, a survivor of domestic violence. She realized her child recognized her resilience. 

Domestic violence has always been a serious issue in Milwaukee, but it has sparked major concern during the pandemic as one aspect of rising crime rates in the city. If the current trends continue, Milwaukee is on pace to log over 200 homicides in 2020.

Edwards endured multiple incidents of domestic violence, including when she was teenager. She was abused and stalked to the point where she had to switch schools.   

On one occasion, Edwards’ abuser locked her in the house, threw a baby stroller at her and broke a window, and choked her in front of her infant. 

“I knew in that moment, I could never raise my child in a violent home,” Edwards said.   

Edwards had to rebuild her life while also going through financial devastation.   

Carmen Pitre, president of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, the largest nonprofit provider of domestic violence services in Wisconsin, has noticed a rise in domestic violence during the pandemic. Forty-five Milwaukee homicides this year have been related to domestic violence, according to Pitre.  

Since March, the center has increased services and outreach, and plans to add texting capability to its 24-hour hotline in 2021.   

“I am very concerned about the way people are isolated, trapped indoors with people who are violent, and the lack of resources,” she said.   

Before COVID, The Sojourner Family Peace Center had 200-250 people in their building throughout the day, according to Pitre.  They now have just 50-70 people in the facility, whether it be employees or victims seeking help, and COVID is the main reason why.

I am very concerned about the way people are isolated, trapped indoors with people who are violent, and the lack of resources.

Carmen Pitre

The center held 53 beds for those affected by domestic violence, traditionally reserved for women for kids.  Due to COVID, they had to reduce the number to 43.   

More than 30% of Wisconsin women and 23% of men experience some sort of domestic violence from their intimate partner, according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Stress on individuals and families is magnified during the pandemic. 

“My greatest concern is that loss of connection between human beings,” said Pitre. “The antidote to violence and healing requires human-to-human contact.”   

The Sojourner Family Peace Center has been working on a lethality campaign for five years to decrease domestic violence.   

“The message we want to get out is if someone is threatening to kill you, believe them if they’re threatening to kill you. Reach out for help; we could save your life,” said Pitre.   

The Sojourner Family Peace Center offers ways for domestic violence victims to cope. Missy Edwards has used Sojourner’s services for the past four years.

“To be able to connect with other women who we can relate to on that level, like we understand the dynamic, even if they’re semi different,” said Edwards.   

Edwards said the support groups were also helpful for her children, who were able to meet other kids in similar situations.   

Lajuell Neal works for Jewish Family Services, a service provider for people of all races and lifestyles.

“You have a lot of people that are scared,” said Neal.  “Within the Jewish community, we want people to express your feelings and things that you’re going through, especially domestic violence.”   

Domestic violence victims have struggled to cope with fear, and Jewish Family Services wants people to make sure they have time to have compassion and care for themselves.     

“Fear can be your biggest enemy,” said Neal. “The more and more you continue to have fear within yourself, a lot of times you don’t take the necessary steps to get help to yourself.” 

Homicide Rates Rise During COVID 

The Milwaukee Police Department has been combatting a rise in homicide numbers, which started before the pandemic, and an increase in domestic violence beginning in December 2019.  

In 2019, Milwaukee had a total of 97 homicides, according to Milwaukee Police.

In February 2020, the department teamed up with domestic violence groups to come up with tactics to reduce the rising domestic violence rate in Milwaukee.   

The Milwaukee Police Department has recorded 186 homicides through December 8, breaking the 1991 record of 165.

Of these homicides, 71% have resulted in charges filed and 29% have not resulted in charges, according to police.   

Milwaukee County could even reach more than 220 homicides by the end of the year, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner, which would be a 70% increase from 2019. 

“One factor that is possibly impacting the rising crime rate is a no bail for offenders that are committing crimes,” said Milwaukee Police Sergeant Efrain Cornejo.  “So, they are coming back out and reoffending.” 

This is happening due to changes to COVID precautions in Milwaukee’s jail, according to Cornejo.

Some Milwaukee felons are released without any bail, which has caused concern for the Milwaukee Police Department.   

But there is no way to attribute rising crime rates directly to COVID, Cornejo said.

“Compared to last year, they’re all above, whether it relates to homicide and non-fatal shootings,” said Cornejo.   

With both COVID-19 cases and the crime rate rising in Milwaukee, officers have had to work long hours with sometimes no off days during the protests over the summer. 

“We have also seen a significant impact with our ability to interact with our community,” Cornejo said.

The department has had to cancel events due to concern for both their officers and community safety.

Some officers do have the option to work from home. However, first responders are required to work in-person while trying to protect themselves from the virus. 

The Milwaukee Police Department provides officers with personal protective equipment and they are required to wear a mask at all times on site.  They also have a wellness program that includes mental health; officers have access to an in-house psychiatrist, chaplain and fitness coordinator.  

Milwaukee Police have continued to move along with their system partners, or their community stakeholders, through shoot review meetings.  During these meetings, they review all types of shootings, fatal and non-fatal, according to Cornejo.  All the information is shared and follow up is conducted.

Milwaukee Police has also teamed up with a federal group called “Operation Legends” to address violent crime such as drug trafficking and illegal use of firearms.   

Milwaukee Police have relied heavily on the community by encouraging them to report any crimes or trends in their neighborhoods.

The Milwaukee Police Department is keeping citizens informed of these incidents through social media, the MPD newsletter and virtual crime and safety meetings put on by the district.   

Mike Bondar works at Wolski’s Tavern and has lived in the East Village neighborhood his entire life. He said neighbors are aware of how to stay safe during the pandemic.   

“Everyone is trying not to go out solo at night and going in groups,” said Bondar.   

Residents in East Village have utilized Uber and other forms of transportation instead of walking home at night, according to Bondar.    

They also have a neighborhood watch page on Facebook.    

“They have East Side crime reports and a lot of the officers will keep you updated on things like that too,” said Bondar.   

The rising crime rate in Milwaukee has become a major concern during the pandemic, with homicide and domestic violence in the forefront. 

“Violence thrives in isolation and there are a lot more people that are struggling and suffering,” said Carmen Pitre of Sojourner Family Peace Center.  “We need to make it comfortable for them to come forward.”