Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence

MCEDSV (Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence) or as Developement Director Nicholas Lynch simply calls it “the coalition”.  As the organization’s name suggest, MCEDSV purpose is to develop and promote comprehensive efforts in eliminating domestic and sexual violence including human trafficing, especially in Michigan.  “A world that is safer for survivors is a world that is better for everyone”, says Nicholas.

Passion Project

Partnering with MCAH around training is the “heart of affection” for MCAH, as training is one of the resources around MCEDSV membership.  Training others, Nicholas explained, such as having housing advocates understand trauma-informed care is important to the connection between homelessness and domestic violence.  Trauma does not exist in a vacuum and that it affects the mind and body.

Giving aid to survivors means allowing survivors to regain control over their environment.  While service providers “walk alongside with survivors”, providers must account for those services given.  “Survivor-centered care, which trusts the survivor to know what’s best for them, is something that can be counter-intuitive for someone who wants to help”, Nicholas asserts.

Like Being a MCAH Member

Going back to an experience with MCAH manager Allison Green, Nicholas recalls their discussion about the different training sessions MCAH provides.  He noticed that MCAH is the first organization to be intentional with collaboration and community building.  How MCAH connects with other organizations and partners with them is reflexive of their primary strategy.

Also, MCEDSV staff likes how MCAH collects and shares data about the utilization of housing services.  Nicholas finds that housing insecurity is a consequence of domestic violence.  This collection of data aids the staff in finding a path towards a solution.

Future Collaborations

For themselves, including MCAH, Nicholas would like to see more collaboration with agencies that serve people with identities that intersect with homelessness.  Not many people are immune to the threat of homelessness or domestic or sexual violence.  MCAH does collaboration well and needs consistent pressure to continue.  “Collaboration is why MCEDSV continues to participates”, Nicholas added.