In 2012, 97,656 residences of Michigan reported some form of domestic violence, according to the Michigan Incident Crime Report via Michigan.gov. The majority of the victims were females in their mid-twenties who were dating the offender. According to Simone Dixon, a student staff member at the Women’s Resource Center, domestic violence is “sexual, emotional or physical abuse from some. It doesn’t have to be gender, race, age or religion bound.”
Domestic violence is a serious issue that is constantly growing in the U.S. One of the hardest aspects of it is feeling confident enough about yourself and the situation to stand against domestic violence. People can’t seek help if they are not ready. Knowing what signs to look for and where to go for help are the first steps in ending the ongoing fight.
Warning signs of domestic violence include, but are not limited to:
• He/she calls their partner names and puts them down.
• He/she is constantly jealous when their partner is talking to other people.
• The partner is always apologizing for their significant other’s actions and making excuses.
• Aspects such as weight, grades or appearance drastically change
• He/she has unexplainable injuries.
If you are worried that someone you know may have warning signs of domestic violence, many resources in Washtenaw County are more than happy to help. On the third floor of the Student Center at EMU is the Women’s Resource Center, a safe zone for anyone on campus or in the surrounding area. If you do not feel comfortable talking with one of their helpers in person, the WRC can be contacted by email at emu_womenscenter@emich.edu or phone 734-487-4282.
Another place on campus for assistance is the Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, located at 313 Snow Health Center. Their services are free of charge to EMU students and range from crisis intervention to workshops and presentations. If you are seeking help from CAPS, please call 734-487-1118, or stop by their office Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CAPS does stress that if there is a campus emergency after hours to please call 911 or EMU Public Safety at 734-487-1222.
If you are not on campus and need help with domestic violence issues, Safe House Center has services offered 24-hours a day. Safe House is located at 4100 Clark Road in Ann Arbor. They provide emergency shelter for survivors and their children and offer steps to reclaim independence and security. Safe House also has a Domestic Violence Response Team and Sexual Assault Response Team that are available immediately and 24-hours a day. For more information, please visit safehousecenter.org. For the Safe House Helpline contact 734-995-5444.
It is stressed that you keep this information handy at all times, as domestic violence can happen to anyone at anytime. Also, keep in mind that many individuals in domestic violence relationships do not realize it until it may be too late. If you have a friend or family member who is believed to be dealing with domestic violence, please encourage them to use one of the resources above.
Everybody deserves to be treated with respect and feel comfortable and safe within his or her own environment.
