For Schlaikowski, who identifies as gay, that message is personal, too. "And then it's time for us as a family to come together to take care of each other."īy participating in the program, businesses are not only creating a safe haven for crime victims, but also sending a message to the public, he said. "We teach our residents that family is not always blood, and when we look at our community, that could be an extension of our family," Schlaikowski said. The organization provides housing and other services to homeless and displaced LGBTQ+ youth. The Safe Place Program is much-needed for Milwaukee, said Brad Schlaikowski, the executive director of Courage MKE. Mya Allen, a 35-year-old Black transgender women, was fatally shot in late August and Brazil Johnson, a 28-year-old Black transgender women, died after she was shot multiple times in June. So far this year, at least 31 transgender people have already been killed by violent means, though the actual number is likely higher. "So we're hoping that our community participates, our organizations participate."Īccording to the Human Rights Campaign, at least 50 transgender and gender non-conforming people were killed last year nationwide - a record high. It's a whole community issue," Cornejo said. The vast majority were sex trafficking cases, and 90 percent of the victims were female.Ĭornejo said the new program will get the community to work together to protect those in need. In 2020, 97 human trafficking cases in Wisconsin were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. "That will clearly advertise the symbol of safety for the victim of a crime and a warning for those who commit those crimes," said Milwaukee Police Sgt. Those organizations will display the badge on their doors or windows. Through the national Safe Place Program, the department will give rainbow badge decals to businesses that commit to allowing victims to stay on their property while they wait for the police.
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