Advocacy

Crisis Number.
Free. Confidential. 24/7
313-474-SAFE
Crisis Number.
Free. Confidential. 24/7
313-474-SAFE

Avalon’s advocates serve as a liaison and support to survivors, ensuring their needs are met and rights are honored. Advocacy services may include assisting a survivor and/or their family with navigating the many resources that may address challenges they are facing as related to their experience with sexual violence or otherwise.

Quick Links

Assault Response Services Medical Forensic Exams Advocacy & Crisis Intervention Counseling Services Group Counseling Advocacy Pediatric Services LGBTQ+ Human Trafficking Wellness Clinic Healthcare/Law Enforcement Professionals
Some examples of advocacy services include:
  • Legal advocacy: Includes ensuring survivors are knowledgeable and understand their rights and options concerning the criminal justice process; accompaniment to law enforcement and prosecutor interviews; court accompaniment; help drafting victim impact statements; assistance filing for personal protection orders.
  • Community-based advocacy: Includes researching and connecting survivors with other service organizations for additional resources and assistance (i.e. food pantries/resources; clothing resources; assistance with rent and utilities and other financial resources, etc.)
  • Shelter/housing advocacy: Includes aiding survivors in securing safe shelter; locating and connecting with organizations that provide services related to securing long-term housing and related resources (i.e. orgs. that help with security deposits); assistance completing paperwork related to applying for housing resources; etc.
  • Transportation: Transportation can be a huge barrier for many survivors in Metro Detroit to access resources and services. Avalon provides transportation for survivors of sexual assault to accommodate appointments, meetings, and other forms of care related to their experience with sexual violence (i.e. individual and group counseling, law enforcement/prosecutor interviews, follow up medical care, and court related matters). We use Lyft, Uber and cab services as transportation options for survivors.
  • Victim Compensation: The Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC) Compensation Program may help sexual assault survivors who sustained a personal physical injury, and their immediate families with the financial costs of the crime they experienced. Costs that may be eligible include medical treatment, counseling, funerals, crime scene clean-up, grief counseling and loss of income or support not paid by other sources. Avalon’s advocacy staff assist survivors in completing the application for CVSC.
Click below for more information on eligibility requirements and other topics related to CVSC.
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Resources

RAINN
National Sexual Assault Hotline/Resources
800-656-HOPE MCEDSV
Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence - statewide coalition
855-VOICES4 Polaris
National Human Trafficking Hotline
888-373-7888 KidTALK Children's Advocacy Center
Our community’s Child Advocacy Center - referrals taken from LE, CPS and Avalon; non-acute response for children who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence; or have witnessed domestic/sexual violence or homicide
(737) 785-7716
(313) 833-2970 Ruth Ellis Center
The Ruth Ellis Center provides trauma-informed services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults ages 13-30. Ruth Ellis Center seeks to “create opportunities with LGBTQ+ young people to build their vision for a positive future”. Supportive services include integrated primary and behavioral health services, housing support for young people ages 12-17, advocacy and case management services for female-identifying youth, and drop-in services for recreational and social support of LGBTQ+ youth.
(313) 252-1950
Infor@ruthelliscenter.org LGBT Detroit
LGBT Detroit advocates for the visibility and health of Detroit’s LGBT community. They focus on youth and young adult development, sexual orientation, and gender identity education, advocacy, and support of the overall well-being of the community. Working with local, regional, state, and national partnerships, LGBT Detroit advocates for “making Detroit a safer place for all to work, play, and live, without fear and malice”. The agency provides 15 programs including healing and supportive services, gender-centered support groups, leadership academies, political and civic engagement opportunities, substance misuse services, and health research partnerships.
(313) 397-2127
Detroit@lgbtdetroit.org SAGE Metro Detroit
SAGE Metro Detroit advocates for “programming, events, and services for LGBTQ+ older adults in metro Detroit and surrounding communities". Their work seeks to empower and support LGBTQ+ older adults through community trainings, local and state advocacy efforts, hosted events, and the creation of the Rainbow Resource Guide to promote awareness, share information, and deter discrimination.
(734) 681-0854
Info@sagemetrodetroit.org Affirmations
Affirmations was established in 1989 to provide space for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Affirmations works to “fight for acceptance and basic human rights for our LGBTQ+ community”. Offering numerous virtual and in-person group meetings, mental health and counseling services, relationship and sexual health, rehabilitation services, addiction support, housing services, parenting resources, and domestic violence connective support.
(248) 398-7105
Info@goaffirmations.org