Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum join city's 'Safe Place' initiative

NOW: Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum join city’s ’Safe Place’ initiative
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MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Fiserv Forum is joining Milwaukee’s "Safe Place" initiative.

City leaders and Bucks officials made the announcement during a press conference Tuesday morning.

The Safe Place initiative is a national program designed to provide underrepresented members of the community, including LGBTQIA+ and victims of human trafficking, a safe place to call police for help.

The special Safe Place decal sticker can be found on the doors of locations that are part of the program. The Safe Place decal at Fiserv Forum is located at the service entrance on Highland Avenue off N. 6th Street.

"Beyond Fiserv Forum, anyone who sees a Safe Place decal in Milwaukee will know that businesses, organizations, and locations will provide a safe place to call 911," said Peter Feigin, president of the Bucks and Fiserv Forum.

The Safe Place initiative is gaining some traction locally.

"When a pillar such as Fiserv Forum takes a step to make everyone feel safe, to make everyone feel welcomed, I only hope that it creates a standard, a new standard in which other businesses and venues throughout the city also take that approach," said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

This comes as human trafficking cases are increasing in the city. Those who support victims say the Safe Place program is vital.

"Now they know that the community is also galvanizing to say that you matter and it's important for you to be safe," said Dana World-Patterson, chair of the Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee.

The Human Trafficking Institute recently ranked Wisconsin as sixth in the nation for human trafficking cases.

"It is affecting all individuals and the opportunity for education and awareness is imperative," said World-Patterson. Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman says officers are trained to handle sensitive situations with care.

"I just want people to understand that we're here for you and use it as a sign to know there's going to be that level of sensitivity, that level of cooperation, that level of support," said Norman.

Businesses interested in taking part in the program can click here to sign up.

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