Domestic and Dating Abuse
If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 911.
YWCA 24-Hour Confidential Helpline
616.454.YWCA (616.454.9922)
Emergency Shelter (No Cost)
Call 616.454.YWCA (616.454.9922) 24-hours
The YWCA provides confidential, short-term emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse and their dependent children who are fleeing situations of domestic abuse. Temporary shelter for pets can be arranged, too.
Advocacy & Resource Services
Crisis Help (No Cost)
Trained volunteer advocates are available 24 hours a day, or by appointment during business hours, to help survivors of domestic violence. They provide:
- A confidential, supportive, listening ear by phone (616.454.9922).
- Help in developing a plan that will allow you to live more safely whether you are still with your partner or living separately.
- Guidance in developing safe exit strategies for those who have the opportunity to leave their relationship.
- Paralegal services and help navigating the legal/court system.
- Help in locating medical, housing and child care services.
Support Groups (No Cost)
The following facilitator-led support groups are available for adult survivors.
Contact 616.426.3727 for more information!
Available groups include:
- Survivors of Domestic and Dating Abuse *available online and in-person*
- Survivors of Sexual Assault and Abuse *available online and in-person*
- LGBTQ+ Survivors of Domestic or Dating Abuse, or Adult or Childhood Sexual Assault *available online*
See our Events page for Group dates and times.
Medical Forensic Exams And Medical Help: Nurse Examiner Program (No Cost)
Receiving immediate and follow-up medical attention is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself if you have been physically or sexually assaulted by an intimate partner. You may have injuries that need to be treated, and you may want to address and receive treatment for the possibility of pregnancy and contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
As part of our community’s response to intimate partner violence, the YWCA provides comprehensive, timely, and sensitive medical-forensic examinations.
With patient consent, evidence is collected and documented by a specially trained, forensic nurse examiner in a supportive private environment. A volunteer advocate who offers emotional support and information is part of this response as well. We also provide referrals for follow-up medical care and counseling.
Exams are performed at the YWCA on a 24-hour, on-call basis for adolescents and adults, and all genders. To arrange for an exam, contact the YWCA within 120 hours (5 days) of the incident (616.454.9922).
counseling / Therapy
Call 616.459.4652 (Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am-6:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am-12:00 pm)
Individual Therapy
As part of their ongoing healing, victims and survivors are helped to evaluate and establish goals which aid them in moving beyond the abuse. Advocacy is also provided through support, education, and referral. Children who have witnessed violence often benefit from this recovery process as well.
Men Choosing Alternatives to Violence (MCAV)
(confirmed ongoing participation is required)
A facilitator-led group is available for men seeking to stop controlling/abusive behavior in their intimate partner relationships.
Safe Connections – Supervised Parenting Time and Custody Exchanges
Call 616.426.3757
To help parents and children develop positive, healthy relationships, the YWCA provides supervised parenting time and custody exchanges for families where there is a concern for safety due to domestic or dating abuse, sexual assault, stalking, child sexual abuse, mental illness, or substance abuse. Click here for more information and program hours.
Long-Term Housing and Supportive Services
Call 616.459.4652 (Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am-6:00 pm; Fridays 8:00 am-12:00 pm)
To strengthen a survivor’s ability to maintain a safe, independent life apart from their abusive partner, the YWCA provides transitional housing, as well as help in finding employment, advocacy, child care, and referrals for legal assistance. In combination, these services support survivors in locating permanent, safe housing.
