Domestic Violence Unit
The Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes crimes involving assault that arise from an intimate domestic relationship. A Domestic Relationship is defined as:
- A spouse
- A former spouse
- A resident or former resident of the defendant's household
- An individual who has a child in common with the victim
- An individual who has/had a dating relationship with the victim
How to Report Domestic Violence
To report a domestic violence case the following steps should be taken:
- In an emergency call 911
- Make sure a police report is filed
- After the report is filed, the detectives at the police department will investigate your complaint and determine if a warrant request will be submitted to the prosecutor's office
When a warrant request is received at the prosecutor's office a specially trained domestic violence prosecutor will review the warrant. At this stage the prosecutor will also interview the complainant to determine if the offender should be charged with a crime and if so determine what crime will be charged.
If the warrant is authorized, the case begins. The case may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony case. Both are handled by domestic violence prosecutors. You will also be assigned a domestic violence court advocate who will guide you through the court process.
Domestic Violence Court Advocates
Domestic Violence Court Advocates can provide assistance to those with court cases including information on:
- Court dates
- Court procedures
- Your rights
- Counseling referrals
They will also accompany you to court and help you determine if you qualify for Crime Victim Compensation.
Personal Protection Order (P.P.O)
Personal Projection Order (P.P.O.) is an additional tool available for victims of Domestic Violence. PPOs can be used to prohibit an offender from:
- Assaulting, attacking, beating or molesting you
- Entering onto your property
- Threatening to kill or physically harm you
- Removing children from you unless authorized by you or the court in writing
- Interfering at your place of employment
- Stalking conduct such as telephoning, following you or writing letters
- Purchasing or possessing a firearm
- Or any other conduct prohibited by the court
PPOs can be obtained from the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (City County Building) on the 9th floor. There is no cost to get a PPO. However, there may be a cost to have the offender served with his copy of the PPO.
For further information on obtaining a PPO call the Wayne County Clerk's office at 313 224-6292.
Contact
Domestic Violence Unit
(313) 224-5857
Detroit Police Department
(313) 237-2579
Domestic Violence Court Advocates
(313) 224-8500
Resources
2026 Domestic Violence Resources(PDF, 62KB)
Arab Community Center for Economic & Social Services (ACCESS) - Resource focuses on the Arab American experience, but groups and services are OPEN to ALL.
Contact: 1-313-216-2202
www.accesscommunity.org
Avalon Healing Center (Formerly known as Wayne County SAFE) - Resource center for survivors of sexual assault.
Contact: 313-964-9701
Crisis Line: 313-474-SAFE
www.avalonhealing.org
Detroit Police Department Victims Assistance Program – Resource for survivors of DV or sexual assault.
Contact: 1-313-833-1660
www.detroitmi.gov/departments/police-department/victims-assistance
First Step – Resource for survivors of DV or sexual assault and offers shelter services.
Crisis Line: 734-722-6800
www.firststep-mi.org
Haven – Resource for survivors of DV or sexual assault.
Crisis Line: 248-334-1274
www.haven-oakland.org
SASHA Center: Sexual Assault Services for Holistic Healing and Awareness - Resource focuses on the African American experience but groups and services are OPEN to ALL.
Contact: 1-888-865-7055
www.sashacenter.org
info@sashacenter.org
YWCA Interim House – Offers shelter services for Domestic Violence Victims.
Contact: 1-313-259-9922
Crisis Line: 313-861-5300
www.ywcadetroit.org/programs/ywca-interim-house
ywca@ywcadetroit.org