Milwaukee Post
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/387658
12 • Milwaukee County Post • September 26, 2014 By Dave Fidlin Special to The Post MILWAUKEE — As a series of profession- al athletes' alleged acts of domestic violence have come to light in recent weeks, local organizers have been using the high-profile, headline-grabbing incidents to shed light on an occurrence that happens far too often. Just as its season has gotten underway, the NFL has drawn scrutiny and criticism as a string of allegations have surfaced in short succession. On Sept. 8, video of Ray Rice striking his then-fiancee surfaced from an altercation in February. He was subsequently cut by the Baltimore Ravens and suspended indefinite- ly by the NFL. In the immediate aftermath of the atten- tion-grabbing report, other pro athletes' names surfaced on allegations of domestic or child abuse charges. The list includes Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, Greg Hardy of the Carolina Panthers and Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers. While the recent incidents generated pub- licity because of the high-profile people behind the acts, the stark reality is domestic abuse cases unfortunately occur on a daily basis. According to Community Advocates, a Milwaukee-based organization that puts the spotlight on a number of causes, more than 30,000 domestic abuse cases are reported to Wisconsin law enforcement officers each year. About 30 percent of those cases occur within Milwaukee County. For years, Milwaukee's Sojourner Family Peace Center has partnered with local organ- izations to help raise funds and awareness of the ongoing statistics that crop up each year. Sojourner is in the midst of relocating to a new facility, in part because of corporate donations from such operations as the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the phil- anthropic arm of the venerable Milwaukee- based insurance company. "A city thrives when its residents are allowed to succeed," Carmen Petrie, execu- tive director of Sojourner, said at a ground- breaking ceremony of Northwestern Mutual's new high-rise building Aug. 26. More recently, Petrie has spoken out about the NFL cases and says the incidents point to the ongoing importance of organiza- tions such as Sojourner. "Ending violence is something we all need to partner to do," Petrie said last week. "If you hurt someone in your life, you will be held accountable. I think that's an important message." For Petrie and leaders behind other advo- cacy groups aimed at stomping out domestic violence, the sad truth is there is much work that still needs to be done, despite the part- nerships, campaigns and outreach efforts. In 2012, the most recent compilation of information available, 48 of the 29,941 vic- tims of domestic violence in Wisconsin lost their lives. Fourteen of those victims were children, and 16 children were left mother- less from the acts. NFL puts spotlight on domestic abuse 235874007 To see if you, or your loved one qualifies, contact them at (414) 476-3900 The Lamplight Inn of West Allis 7400 West Greenfield Ave. West Allis. WI 53214 The Lamplight Inn of West Allis, lighting the way to affordable assisted living. Lamplight Communities strive for outstanding living at affordable prices. They even accept senior residents who are receiving county assis- tance. All of the studios are private with private baths, activities, meals, weekly housekeeping and linen services. Lighting the way to affordable assisted living. 240093080 GRACE KNOW CHRIST MAKE HIM KNOWN GATHER GROW&SOW Contemporary Worship - 8am Bible Study and Sunday School - 9:15am Traditional Worship - 10:30am Welcome To Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 3030 W. Oklahoma Ave. 414-384-3520 240093106 TUNE-UP when you pick up Snow blower by October 19, 2014 Must present coupon. Expires 10.12.14 $ 10 OFF Greg's INSTANT SAVINGS & 3050 E Layton Ave • 483-5550 ***1/4 mile east of the 794 parkway on Layton*** 3050 E Layton Ave, 483-5550, M-F 7AM to 8PM, Sat 7AM-7PM, Sun 9AM-5PM Greg's & Start Right, Start Here Great Customer Service, Expert Product Knowledge Quality Merchandise at Competitive Prices and Quick In and Out Join at TrueValueRewards.com! SNOW BLOWERS PRESEASON SALE 240093150 Greg's TORO POWER CLEAR BLOWER SALE PRICE $ 359 99 single stage: model #38472 Reg. $399.99 13 MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM Free Assembly Gas, Oil & Test Expert Service & Delivery Available TORO POWER CLEAR BLOWER SALE PRICE $ 499 95 single stage: model #38741 Reg. $559.99 TORO POWERMAX two stage blower: model #37775 Reg. $899.99 SALE PRICE $ 799 99