Systems Change
Avalon Healing Center firmly believes that the movement to end sexual violence is deeply connected to other social justice and anti-oppression causes. In order to end sexual violence in our communities, we must work to dismantle the structures of systemic oppression that have long shaped our society’s culture and experiences of various marginalized groups. For example, racial equity, economic justice, LGBTQ+ equality, access to basic human needs, and adequate healthcare all significantly impacts a survivor's experience as they navigate their healing journeys. Because of this, we cannot work in silos. Collaboration with survivors and organizations that also hold similar beliefs rooted in systems change and co-liberation work is inherently our duty and responsibility. At Avalon Healing Center, we strive to ensure that those affected by sexual violence can fulfill their societal roles and receive fair and just treatment during their healing process. It is our privilege to offer support and create a safe space so that survivors and their support systems can thrive.
Survivor Advisory Council
The purpose of the Survivor Advisory Council is to make sure individuals who are survivors of sexual violence have a voice in the decisions made that directly affect clients at Avalon Healing Center. The Survivor Advisory Council advises staff and board members on ways to make survivors feel seen and heard and trusted. The Survivor Advisory Council consists of 5 individuals who have had a healthy relationship with Avalon over time and are able to advocate for survivors in a healthy way with the support of the staff at Avalon.
Commitment to DEI
- Employee Equity Plan
- Trainings/Education
- Celebration/Inclusion
- Assessments
- Salary
Wayne County Sexual Assault Collaborative
The Wayne County Sexual Assault Collaborative (WCSAC) is a multi-disciplinary group comprised of law enforcement officers, prosecutors, sexual assault forensic examiners, healthcare system administrators, advocates, and othe community stakeholders. The mission of the group is to determine best practices, develop protocols, work to hold each discipline accountable, and in general, discuss issues related to sexual violence in an effort to maintain a trauma-informed, survivor-centered, offender-focused response to Wayne County communities. By supporting survivors’ needs for compassionate and comprehensive medical and emotional care, we promote better experiences survivors have when engaging with systems, investigation that will result in higher arrest and prosecution rates.