Help On The Way For Domestic Violence Victims

A bipartisan plan has been introduced in the House and Senate that would support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking as they work to make new lives for themselves that are free from violence.

Democratic State Senator Rebekah Warren of Ann Arbor notes that one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

The eight-bill package would among other things allow survivors to apply for unemployment benefits if they must leave their job to protect their safety; create a confidentiality program for survivors ensuring perpetrators are not able to find out their name, address, telephone number, or any other identifying information.

The bills would also ensure that actions taken to protect themselves or their children from an abusive parent are not held against the survivor when the court is determining custody; and urge Michigan’s colleges and universities to update their policies and procedures dealing with sexual assault on campus.

A number of colleges in the state are currently under federal investigation for their handling of sexual violence reports, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Grand Valley State University.