Domestic Violence: Resources for Victims
What is Domestic Violence (DV)?
Per the Joyful Heart Foundation: “Though exact legal definitions vary depending on where you are located, domestic violence can generally be defined as a pattern of abusive behavior characterized by the intent to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner or other family members. The abuse can be established over time and in most cases, it begins subtly with insults, a shove or by alienating a survivor from family and friends. With time, the abusive behavior can be more frequent and increase in severity.” (joyfulheartfoundation.org)
The facts:
The statistics that surround domestic violence are jaw-dropping: within the U.S., one in every four women experience some type of physical violence from an relationship partner at some point in their lifetimes. Men are subject to nearly 3 million assaults per year, however majority of Domestic Violence cases go unreported to the police. Furthermore, Domestic Violence costs an astounding 37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies. Children are also affected by domestic violence. In fact, over 15 million children witness some form of domestic violence in their home each year. This is due to the fact that 60% of domestic violence cases occur within a home.
Resources available:
If you, or somebody you know is suffering from Domestic Violence related issues seek immediate help. There are various resources at your disposal:
Hotlines:
For emergencies always call: 911
800.621.HOPE (4673)
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224
1-800-500-1119
Michigan State Wide Resources:
Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
3893 Okemos Rd, Suite B2
Okemos, MI 48864
Phone: (517) 347-7000
Phone: (517) 381-8470
Web: http://www.mcedsv.org
Michigan Legal Aid
Web: http://www.michiganlegalaid.org/
Michigan Legal Services
220 Bagley Avenue, Suite 900
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 964-4130
If you wish you search for help by county: click here:
You can find more information pertaining to resources for Domestic Violence in Michigan here
Speak out against Domestic Violence.
Attorney Todd Levitt
http://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/learn/domestic-violence/resources/hotlines-and-more-information
http://nnedv.org/resources/stats/gethelp.html
http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state.php?state_code=MI
http://www.safehorizon.org/page/domestic-violence-resources-313.html
http://www.nrcdv.org/