In 2007, 45 people, from the ages of 8 to 67 years, were killed or murdered in Michigan.

4,597 people in Michigan reported that they were raped in 2007.

Last year, HAVEN received 5,911 crisis line calls to seek the help that your support provides.

HAVEN provides comprehensive services to clients who come to us with stories like these:

Sheila, a domestic violence survivor, overcame a lot of challenges during her stay in shelter. She had 3 children, one of which was newly diagnosed mentally ill and faced behavioral issues. Her Counselor/Advocate offered her parenting tools and options that would assist with the behavioral issues she would be dealing with. When she was in Shelter she would take advantage of our youth program by evolving her kids in the playroom and Individual time with our Youth Coordinator. This woman worked a full time and part time job and was going to school to obtain a CNA certificate. After tremendous hard work, and extended time in shelter, she secured financial assistance for a 3-bedroom house to rent for her and her family.

Tom was in a nursing home. His assailant was his caretaker and the grandfather of six was told that what happened was part of his treatment. It wasn’t until his daughter noticed blood on his sheets that the rape was reported. He was 89 years old. He didn’t ask for it. He didn’t deserve it and he was powerless to prevent it.

Counselors share stories with us about changes they have seen in clients:

"In the Intervention in Battering Group (IIB). We were discussing the effects of domestic violence on children. A client explained to his group how he has felt the change in his life from attending the IIB program. He stated that he was watching his 7 year old son recently. His son ran up to him hurt and was crying. He said that I have always been taught that tears are for sissies. He said for the first time he was able to hold his son, tell him that 'its ok to cry, it must really hurt. He told the group he never thought he would be able to respond to his son like this because he as a young boy was never allowed to cry. I felt my eyes water when this happened. This was so powerful for me because as a therapist I was reminded how this work effects the whole family."- Cynthie, HAVEN Counselor

"I was at one of the high schools discussing dating violence and sexual assault. On the first day I talked about dating violence and passed out the power and control wheel. That Thursday when I returned to the school to do the sexual assault presentation, one of the students came up to me after class and told me thank you for showing us that wheel. She told me she had taken it home and showed it to her mom and told her it was signs of an abusive relationship. That night the mom kicked out her boyfriend and broke up with him. The girl seemed so happy and relieved to have him gone. She said her mom was crying when she read the wheel." – Jennifer, Prevention Education Program

Your support is needed now more then ever. The demand for our services has increased. Hard economic times have left some survivors trapped in domestic abuse situations. It is only with your continued commitment that we can work to provide a safe place for those in crisis, help to those needing assistance, and education to our community.

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If your computer has parental controls, if you think someone has access to your password or has the ability to monitor your computer use --find a safe computer or contact the crisis and support line to maintain confidentiality.

HAVEN must report or seek outside assistance with email/phone calls regarding suspected child abuse, threats of homicide or suicide.