About Us
Our Purpose…
The Violence Against Women Project’s mission is to improve the community’s response to domestic and sexual violence and stalking by providing multi-disciplinary training and technical assistance to increase implementation of best practices, enhance offender accountability, and empower victims. The Project is primarily funded through grants administered by the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Since 1996, the Project has provided comprehensive training on issues of domestic and sexual violence and stalking to prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, community-based service providers, forensic medical service providers and many other community partners. The Project draws on the expertise of its staff and other local and national experts to present statewide, multi-disciplinary trainings, regular webinars, and unique, localized training at the invitation of local community partners.
The Project publishes The Domestic Violence Trial Manual provided, available for download in PDF format. The Trial Manual is a resource for trial lawyers who need at their fingertip’s answers for legal and procedural questions common in domestic violence cases. The Domestic Violence Trial Manual has served as the model for other states’ trial manuals. The Project also publishes The Sexual Assault Trial Manual which is also available for download in PDF format.
The Project hosts and moderates the Violence Against Woman and Children forum page along with the Child Abuse Prosecution Resources Unit. This forum page is available on the Mipaam.com platform and provides a space for prosecutors to post message, request assistance, and exchange information with their colleagues around the state. Access to this “forum group” is by invite only and available to county prosecutors from around the state of Michigan. The project provides regular case law updates, notices of trainings, and distribution of materials relevant to domestic violence and sexual assault via the forum as well.
The Project staff also provides timely technical assistance to prosecutors and other community responders. The Project can provide research support and brief and motion practice assistance. Contact the Project by telephone, email or by using the “Technical Support Request” button on the website.