October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 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. That’s more than 12 million women and men over the course of a single year.
---> Domestic violence resources: How to find an organization in Metro Detroit that can help
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That’s why HAVEN is so important. It 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 the county’s only 24-hour emergency shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault victims and their children.
Local 4 spoke with several women who are making a difference by sharing their stories and bringing awareness to the vital work HAVEN does for Metro Detroit.
More: Why HAVEN is so important to Metro Detroit
Jamie Matthews
Jaime Matthews recounts her and her daughter‘s experiences with domestic and sexual abuse, highlighting the support they received from the shelter HAVEN. Matthews’ daughter, Hope, was subjected to severe abuse but found refuge and empowerment at HAVEN, where she received counseling, legal support, and a Personal Protection Order.
Hope tragically died at 20 and Matthews channels her grief into advocating for HAVEN, determined to protect others from similar fates. Read more here.
Deodge Hill
Deodge Hill, a mother and physician’s assistant from Belleville, survived a violent and controlling relationship after re-entering the dating world following her husband’s death. Despite initial good times, her partner’s abusive behavior escalated, culminating in a kidnapping incident where she feared for her life. Hill managed to escape with her children to Chicago, leaving everything behind, but despite reporting the crime, her assailant faced no legal consequences.
Hill now shares her story to support HAVEN. Read more here.
Jeanine Jacopec
Jeanine Jacopec, a forensic nurse examiner with two decades of experience, plays a vital role in helping survivors escape violence and rebuild their lives. She conducts exams for victims and helps them regain confidence and begin anew after experiencing the worst day of their lives. Read more here.
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.