MSU's domestic violence program expands through new grant

Michigan State University’s Safe Place was recently awarded additional federal funding under the Victims of Crime Act to expand its staff and services for MSU students, employees, community members and their families.

The grant is for $251,254 over one year and has allowed Safe Place to hire three new full-time staff: a full-time counselor, an additional advocate, and a full-time volunteer coordinator.

Holly Rosen, director of Safe Place, has played an integral role in building the program after former MSU First Lady Joanne McPherson saw a need for this first-of-its-kind, university-based domestic violence program and support facility in 1994. 

More than two decades later, Rosen remains hopeful that Safe Place will have a greater impact on the community through this grant.

“Before receiving VOCA funding for these positions, our team of three staff members were only able to provide services on a limited basis to those who contacted us,” said Rosen. “With expanded staffing and outreach efforts, we hope to inform more people in need of our free and confidential counseling, advocacy, shelter or other support services.”

She continued to mention that with the new staffing in place, the program can initiate more outreach, education, and support services to the campus community including increased efforts to reach marginalized communities that often experience abuse at higher rates, and do not always feel comfortable seeking the services that could help them.

Annually, the program shelters approximately 35 to 50 adults and children and provides counseling and advocacy services to many more students, staff and faculty who experience relationship violence and stalking.

“January is stalking awareness month and announcing this grant during this time makes it all the more special to our team,” Rosen said. “Providing support services and safety planning to survivors of relationship violence and stalking in our community is vital to those affected by these issues.”

For 27 years, this program has continued in its mission to provide shelter, advocacy, crisis support, and counseling services for victims of relationship violence and stalking while seeking to end interpersonal violence through public awareness and community education. All services are free and confidential and are offered to students, staff, faculty and their partners. MSU Safe Place also provides workshops and seminars to help the community learn about agency resources and the dynamics of relationship violence and stalking. 

For information about MSU Safe Place visit: safeplace.msu.edu. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact Safe Place confidentially at noabuse@msu.edu or 517-355-1100.