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
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States.
Jeanine Jacopec is a forensic nurse examiner at HAVEN with two decades of experience who helps survivors escape violence, and abuse and start over.
“Last year we did about 320 exams between sexual assault and strangulation,” Jacopec recalled.
Jacopec plays a crucial role in helping survivors start anew.
“You’ll have a patient come in and have experienced the worst day of their life, and then they come in and leave with head held high, leave with a smile,” Jacopec said.
More: Why HAVEN is so important to Metro Detroit
Based in Pontiac, HAVEN offers programs for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The nonprofit provides shelter, counseling, advocacy, and educational programs to nearly 30,000 people each year, helping people across Metro Detroit.
It’s open 24/7, 365 days a year.
HAVEN’s services are free and the nonprofit relies on donations.
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.
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.