To help end domestic violence, the Southeast Michigan Coalition Against Domestic Violence was launched today during a roundtable at the SafeHouse Centerin Ann Arbor.
Housing and employment security were among the main topics discussed to help survivors move forward. According to the SafeHouse Center, in Washtenaw County alone, over 5,000 people seek domestic violence services every year.
U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell from the 12th District launched the coalition with community groups, such as the Ozone House and the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County.
"It's critical to build a coalition because we have to build partners across the state. Different people have different areas of expertise. They understand what the challenges are, the road blocks are."
Dan Kelly is Executive Director of the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County. He attended the announcement and said that, by joining forces, the community center's clients will benefit from the new network.
"When you first meet people and they're in this crisis of needing shelter, they don't always admit to being a survivor of domestic violence. But then later, that comes out."
Congresswoman Dingell added that working with local law enforcement agencies will be key to address the domestic violence issue.
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— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu