Anyone can suffer from abuse in their life or community. It can happen when least expected, turning your world upside down. Dealing with the aftermath requires emotional, financial, and physical recovery, which can be challenging if an abuser has drained you of financial resources or social support. In the state of Michigan, there are many resources available for people of all backgrounds seeking to escape abuse, but you’ll need to know precisely where to look and how to move forward.
Get Urgent Help
Leaving an abuser takes a lot of courage and strength, and you may need support to avoid immediate danger. Michigan has a responsive and active police force that can help escort you out of a harmful situation. Call 911 for emergency response. If you’d like urgent help that isn’t a direct emergency, there are 24/7 domestic violence and abuse hotlines dedicated to Michigan survivors. You can call 1-866-VOICEDV as a free and confidential resource.
Know Your Local Abuse Shelters and Advocacy Centers
If you shared a living space or finances with the abuser, you may not have a lot of resources and options to help you get on your feet. Thankfully, Michigan has many nonprofit abuse shelters and advocacy centers to give you the resources you need to thrive without an abusive environment. Not only do these centers provide housing and shelter, but they can also give you legal counsel, protective order resources, counseling group information, and more. From the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan to the HAVEN of Oakland County, a quick search can find options near you.
Obtain Legal Counsel
Regardless of whether you want to pursue criminal or civil charges, obtaining an attorney or legal team can be incredibly beneficial for abuse survivors. They can help you obtain protective orders, file lawsuits, represent you in court, navigate any insurance claims, and help with child custody problems. Michigan attorneys can also be trauma-informed and specialize in the type of abuse you’re experiencing, such as child abuse or domestic abuse. If your abuser was a church member, you can even seek out a clergy abuse lawyer in Michigan. You can search online or inquire within your advocacy group to find specialized attorneys.
File a Michigan Protective Order
One of the most critical ways to separate from an abusive situation is to get a protective order (also known as a restraining order). These orders are legal documents that forbid the abuser from going near you, your family, work, or home. An abuse advocacy center or a personal attorney can help you file a protective order if desired. In Michigan, there are protective orders for both domestic and non-domestic abusers.
Understand Criminal vs Civil Court
If you want to press charges or pursue justice against your abuser in Michigan, you have several options to consider. An attorney or abuse shelter can help provide you with resources you can use to make an informed decision. Pressing criminal charges will legally and formally accuse the abuser of a crime, requiring the legal system to investigate the case. If there is sufficient evidence, a judge will sentence the abuser based on the crime. Pressing charges does not guarantee a conviction. Alternatively, you can file a lawsuit in civil court, also known as pursuing civil charges. The abuser will not be convicted of a crime, but you can recover damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, and more. You can opt for both criminal and civil charges, choose only one option, or not press charges at all. There is no wrong decision, and it’s a highly personal choice.
Finding Michigan Mental Health Support
You’ll want more than just legal support when you’re fleeing an abuser. Dealing with abuse is highly traumatic and can cause extreme distress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Even if you’re handling things relatively well, you’ll want resources to emotionally recover in the healthiest ways possible. There are many incredible abuse- and trauma-informed mental health counselors in Michigan. To get started, you can search online or visit a local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. If you can’t afford it, there are free or sliding scale therapy options throughout the state, including for any children or family members who were involved. There are virtual and in-person options for convenience.
Learn Michigan Assistance Programs
In many abuse cases, the victim has to start over socially and financially, which can be very difficult, especially when the abuser isolated the victim’s finances. The state of Michigan has a wide variety of nonprofit organizations and programs to provide financial assistance for housing, groceries, utilities, childcare, and job training. These programs are meant for people in similar situations to help them get on their feet without relying on an abuser. If you’re in an abuse support group, shelter, or advocacy center, officials can provide you with these resources immediately.
Conclusion
If you’ve left or are thinking about leaving an abuser, there are many options in Michigan and beyond to help you. It is a very personal and difficult decision, but the quicker you leave, the safer you will be. It can be humbling and difficult to rely on support to get on your feet, but it is worth it. Michigan has strong laws and support programs designed for this very purpose. Even if all you need is someone to listen to you, there is always help and hope at the end of the tunnel.
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