Violence Prevention Alliance

06/06/2026

Learn more about how to advocate for survivors under the Take It Down Act.

06/06/2026

Financial abuse can lead to homelessness for families experiencing domestic violence. The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness is hosting a training on June 15.

Training Thursday Reminders!

How Financial Abuse Leads To and Exacerbates Homelessness
Monday, June 15 th

Time: 1:00 – 2:30

Cost: $40 Non-Members/ $20 Member
CEU’s $20.00/1.5 Credits

Register Here: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E365251&id=81

The leading cause of homelessness for women and children is domestic violence. One of the tactics that perpetrators of violence use to destabilize victims is financial abuse which both leads to homelessness and makes recovering from homelessness worse. Perpetrators use this tactic because they often believe that their victim has no place to go- they will be forced to go back to the abusive relationship.

This webinar is a must attend for anyone who works in the homeless service delivery system.

06/05/2026

🗣️“You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to care enough to help find them.”

If someone trusts you enough to disclose abuse:

✓ Listen.
✓ Believe them.
✓ Avoid judgment.
✓ Ask what support looks like.
✓ Connect them to resources.

❌You don’t have to be the expert.
✅You just have to be the safe person.

😥And if you’re the person receiving that disclosure, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. Those conversations can feel heavy and intimidating.

📲If you don’t know where to connect someone, start by calling your local domestic violence program. Advocates are there not only to support survivors, but also to provide education, guidance, and help you navigate what comes next. They can help you process what you’ve heard and connect that person to the right resources.

👉🏼And if your first call isn’t helpful, don’t stop there. Reach out to another organization, even one outside your area.

💜Keep asking questions.
💜Keep seeking support.

The right person is out there, and one phone call can make all the difference in helping someone find safety and support!

06/04/2026

This event may be of interest to those working in the field of addressing human trafficking or interested in learning more.

Safe Haven Ministries and the West Michigan Human Trafficking Coalition are hosting an upcoming networking opportunity!

Join us on Monday, June 8, to meet and mingle with professionals within our community! Bring your business cards for a chance to win a free Biggby gift card!

📅 Monday, June 8
🕰️ 3-4 p.m.
📍 Safe Haven Ministries ( 2627 Birchcrest Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506)

06/03/2026

Advocates and criminal justice leaders say domestic violence cases are on the rise, outpacing statistics from this time a year ago. They say it comes after federal cuts to funds that support progra…

05/29/2026

The 2026 Together We Can Appreciation Awards will be held on October 14th at The Trestle Stop in Hamilton, MI.

Thank you for helping us to honor community champions who demonstrate outstanding dedication to eliminating domestic and sexual violence in Allegan and Ottawa Counties.

Nominate a Community Champion!
resiliencemi.org/togetherwecan

Nominations are open through August 3rd for the following categories:
• Law Enforcement Award
• Agency Professional Award
• Mari Martin Award
• Business Champion Award

2026 Award Nominees:
• Contribute to an environment that supports the rights of victims of domestic and sexual violence.
• Work in partnership with the community on efforts designed to eliminate domestic and sexual violence.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity, and show sensitivity to cultural differences, as they relate to ending domestic and sexual violence.
• Demonstrate success through the differences they make in the lives of survivors in our communities.

Become a Together We Can Sponsor
• Event Sponsor $100 - $250 - $500
• Table Sponsor $300

Nominate someone you know who makes a difference in the lives of survivors! Please contact us with any questions: [email protected].

05/29/2026

Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) is a multidisciplinary task force in Ottawa County, MI.

We accomplish our mission by providing coordination of community response to domestic and sexual violence by strengthening collaborative activities between agencies.

Our fiduciary agency is Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence. VPA membership includes Ottawa County Courts, Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Office, Friend of the Court, Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, Holland Public Safety, Grand Valley State University’s Center for Health and Well-Being, Probation and Community Corrections, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Resilience, Children’s Advocacy Center, Fountain Hill Center, Westshore Counseling Center, Mediation Services, Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T), allies and survivors, etc.

05/28/2026

Sometimes the quietest voices carry the deepest pain. 💔

For many survivors, silence is a response to fear, shame, trauma, or the painful experience of not being believed, being blamed, or being dismissed when they try to speak out.

Behind silence is often a story no one took the time to hear. That’s why believing survivors, listening without judgment, and creating safe spaces for support matters so deeply. 💜

If you or someone you know is ready to break the silence, help is available 24/7.

☎️ (269) 673-8700
🔗 www.sylviasplace.com

05/14/2026

We have some special opportunities for people like YOU to make a difference as part of our Court! Check out our job openings at www.miottawa.org/join-our-team/!