PONTIAC, Mich. – Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence often turn to HAVEN in Pontiac.
It’s the county’s only 24-hour emergency shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their children.
Related: Michigan mother shares story to support HAVEN’s vital mission
HAVEN offers programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The Oakland County facility provides shelter, counseling, advocacy, and educational programs to nearly 30,000 people each year, helping people across Metro Detroit.
CEO Christine Kinal said demand for counseling and support services have been skyrocketing.
“It affects one-in-three Michiganders,” Kinal said. “And if people aren’t thinking it affects them, they may not be seeing the cues.”
Sexual assault and domestic violence thrives with shame and secrecy and for half a century, HAVEN has been a beacon of hope. The group offers counseling, shelter, Personal Protection order support, social action teams that advocate for survivors in court, prevention education teams to raise awareness and more.
“We’re serving victims of crime. Once they come through HAVEN, they’re survivors,” Kinal said. “But if we can’t provide the basic needs then we’re just not hitting the mark.”
That’s where you come in. Local 4 is teaming up with HAVEN for our “Go 4 It: Living Without Fear” event to collect basic needs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, you’re encouraged to drop off donations or contribute to HAVEN’s Amazon Wish List.
You can learn more here: Here’s how to donate to survivors of domestic and sexual violence
We want to honor those making a difference. Click here to nominate someone who’s Going 4 It in your community. We’ll be featuring your nominees every month on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.
Thanks to our Go 4 It sponsor partners, Masco, Henry Ford Health, and the Gilbert Family Foundation.