1.4Statewide Agencies That Address Domestic and Sexual Violence

There is broad consensus that the most effective response to domestic and sexual violence is a coordinated community response, in which the court’s efforts are part of a continuum of services offered by the justice system and social services communities. Courts can best function as part of a coordinated community response when they are aware of the variety of specialized services provided by domestic and sexual violence agencies. This section contains information about such agencies at the statewide level.

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, and the Michigan Resource Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence are organizations operating at the statewide level to address the prevention and treatment of domestic and sexual violence from the perspective of abused individuals. Although these agencies do not provide direct assistance to persons subject to domestic and sexual abuse, they can provide local referrals, information about domestic and sexual violence, training resources, and technical assistance to courts.

Michigan has a hotline to provide crisis support for all victims, survivors, support people, and professionals serving those individuals.¹ The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Trained advocates provide support specific to each unique situation. The hotline is free and accessible by phone, text, chat, and TTY (for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing). To reach the support offered by the hotline, an individual may call 866-864-2338, text 877-861-0222 (standard text messaging rates apply), chat MCEDSV.org/chat, or TTY 517-898-5533.² 

A.Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (MDSVPTB)

“The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (MDSVPTB) was established in 1978 by state legislation that created a Governor-appointed Board responsible for focusing state activity on domestic violence. The Board offices are administratively housed within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.” Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), About the Board. “The Board develops and recommends policy; develops and provides technical assistance and training to the criminal justice, child welfare, etc.; and administers state and federal funding for domestic and sexual violence services.” Id.

Among other responsibilities, the MDSVPTB coordinates statewide efforts to educate the justice system and other professionals about domestic and sexual violence. See MCL 400.1504. For a complete list of the legislatively mandated powers and duties of the MDSVPTB, see MCL 400.1504.

MCL 400.1501(d) defines domestic violence for purposes of the MDSVPTB’s activities. However, several other statutes incorporate this definition by reference.

For additional information on the MDSVPTB, including contact information, see the Council on Law Enforcement and Reinvention, Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Treatment Board, and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Domestic & Sexual Violence.

B.Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV)

“[The Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence] MCEDSV is a statewide [private, non-profit] membership organization whose members represent a network of over 70 domestic and sexual violence programs and over 200 allied organizations and individuals. We have provided leadership as the statewide voice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the programs that serve them since 1978. MCEDSV is dedicated to the empowerment of all the state’s survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Our mission is to develop and promote efforts aimed at the elimination of all domestic and sexual violence in Michigan.” Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, About Us.

For additional information on the MCEDSV, including contact information, see the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence website.

C.Battering Intervention Services Coalition of Michigan (BISC-MI)

The Battering Intervention Services Coalition of Michigan (BISC-MI) is a private, non-profit statewide organization that “provide[s] a working forum for interaction and information sharing among agencies and individuals concerned with the provision of batterer intervention services in Michigan, . . . create[s] and maintain[s] coordinated community actions that hold batterers accountable for their behavior, and promote[s] victim safety, autonomy and empowerment.” Battering Intervention Services Coalition of Michigan (BISC-MI), About BISC-MI.

For additional information on the BISC-MI, including contact information, see the Battering Intervention Services Coalition of Michigan website.