Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Resources in Southeastern Michigan

Domestic violence and sexual abuse are both sad realities of the society we live in. In tough economic times, statistics show that the stress of problems with finances increases incidents of domestic abuse. Below are a few resources to help those suffering in these situations, some national but mostly with a focus on Michigan.

This is meant as a quick guide to get you the help you need. Many of the groups listed understand the need for privacy and that victims might just want to talk about what they're going through if they aren't ready for decisive action. No matter what your situation is, please consider calling one of the hotlines to talk to an experienced listener.

There are many resources in Michigan, but one that helped my family was the First Step shelter in Wayne County. It has been over two decades since we had to use their resources, but I wanted to mention them since I have personal experience there.

We were lucky enough that we had family members who would take us in, so we didn't need to stay at the shelter. But along with providing a temporary home for victims of domestic abuse, they offer mental health counseling. They also provide information on where to get legal help whether it's immediate police intervention or where to find a sympathetic lawyer. They really helped my family gain control over our lives.

Again, it has been many years, but since they're still going strong, I don't hesitate in recommending their services if you're close to one of the their offices in Plymouth, Taylor or Redford. For more info, visit their website by clicking here or call (734) 722-6800 or toll free at (888) 453-5900.

Domestic abuse crosses cultural and class boundaries. But one of the biggest reasons many lower income people stay in an abusive situation is because they don't believe they have anyplace else to go. Sometimes, they've stayed for years with their abuser and have begun to believe the verbally abusive things they're told, i.e. "your worthless, you'll never find a job." Or there are children involved and the victim weighs the abuse against the possibility of having her children taken away from her.

The Michigan Department of Human Services is one place to go to help relieve that financial burden of leaving an abusive household. Visit the link above to learn more about services such as child care, health insurance, food and cash assistance.

There are statewide hotlines for reporting abuse. Here are just a few, but you can also visit the Michigan Department of Human Services hotline listing.

• Adult Abuse reporting and Protective Services: 1-800-996-6228
• Child Abuse reporting - Wayne county 1-800-716-2234
• Child Abuse reporting - statewide 24/7: 1-800-942-4357
• Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233
• Homeless Shelter: 1-800-A-SHELTER (1-800-274-3583)
• Vulnerable Adult Services: 1-800-996-6228