Huron County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse

Basic Information, Mission, and Philosophy

The Huron County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse is a private not for profit corporation (501c3). The Coalition was established in 2003 to raise funds to build the shelter now known as SafePlace. Construction of the shelter began in August 2004 and was completed in the spring of 2005. The shelter opened its doors to serve Huron County survivors of domestic violence on November 28, 2005.

Mission

To provide a supportive environment in which domestic abuse survivors can assess their needs, evaluate alternatives, access caring and compassionate services, and be empowered to make decisions about their future.

Philosophy

SafePlace services shall comply with the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board’s statement of philosophy:

Domestic violence is rooted in a sexist social structure that produces profound inequalities in roles, relationships, resources, and power distribution between women, children, and men in families. Domestic violence is damaging to those individuals directly involved and to society as a whole. It is criminal conduct and which cannot be tolerated. Prevention through education, advocacy, and appropriate intervention is the ultimate goal. All victims should be provided safety and must be treated with dignity and respect.

Interventions that blame the victim and do not hold the abuser accountable for the violence are ineffective and inappropriate. SafePlace shall encourage and advance the empowerment of victims and seek social change that addresses the existing imbalance of power within violent relationships.

The Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, as well as SafePlace, believes that to make informed choices for themselves and their children, victims should have access to safety, information about domestic violence, available options, and community resources. To carry out their decisions, victims of domestic violence may require support and advocacy that respects their right to self-determination.