Gov. Whitmer Proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the State of Michigan. Michiganders are encouraged to learn more about the signs of domestic violence, the impact perpetrators have on their current or former intimate partners, and how to empower and support survivors. This year’s proclamation comes at a time when extremists are trying to put Michigan’s 1931 abortion ban, which includes no exceptions for rape or incest, back into effect. If the effort were to succeed, survivors of domestic violence would not be able to access abortion care following a sexual assault. 

“Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that impacts every community, and as the theme of this year’s campaign notes, ‘everyone knows someone,’” said Governor Whitmer. “We need to work together to spread awareness, highlight resources, and hold perpetrators accountable. I want every survivor to know that they are not alone and that there are resources available to help them. This year, we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month as some politicians try to ban abortion even in cases of rape and incest. I will continue to fight against those attempts, so all women – especially survivors of domestic violence – can access care if they choose to.  

“At its core, domestic violence is about control,” Whitmer continued. “And as we see attempts nationwide to strip away people’s rights to control their own bodies and shape their own futures, we will continue taking action in Michigan to protect everyone’s right to determine their own future. If you or someone you love needs help, please see the resources below. Let’s keep looking out for one another.” 

Resources
If you are in danger, please contact an organization in your area (listed below) that can help, use a safer computer, call 911, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224, or the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). 

To find a local domestic violence or sexual assault program provider near you, visit the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence provider directory. LGBTQ+ youth in crisis can reach out to The Trevor Project 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 or text/chat at www.thetrevorproject.org/help.  

More resources available here. 

Domestic Violence in Michigan
Survivors of domestic violence are present in every Michigan community. As the theme of this year’s awareness campaign notes, “Everyone Knows Someone.” 

Domestic violence can take several forms—physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, economic coercion—and the ultimate purpose is control by violating dignity, security, and well-being. The 2020 Michigan State Police's Incident Crime Report indicated there were 64,778 domestic violence offenses committed by current or former intimate partners reported to Michigan law enforcement that year.  

Domestic violence disproportionately impacts members of the LGBTQ+ community. More than four in five American Indian and Alaska Native women and men have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime, and more than one in three experienced violence in the past year. Also, 45.1% of Black women and 40.1% of Black men experience intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking in their lifetimes.  

Michigan is committed to holding domestic violence perpetrators accountable, employing interventions to reduce the risk and harm to all victims, and providing survivors the resources and support they need.  

Click here to view proclamation.