Family Violence Services in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Family (or domestic) violence is a crime in Michigan and across the United States. Everyone in Grand Rapids has the right to feel safe in their home and in their relationships.

Family violence includes any threatening, coercive, dominating, or abusive behavior that occurs between people in a:

  • Family relationship
  • Domestic or intimate partner relationship
  • Former intimate relationship

If this behavior causes a person to feel fear or unsafe, it is family or domestic violence.

Family violence can be:

  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial or economic abuse
  • Digital or technology‑facilitated abuse (texts, social media, tracking, etc.)

The impact on victim‑survivors can be long‑lasting, affecting both physical and mental health for years.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger in Grand Rapids, call 911 right away.

How Common Is Family Violence?

In the United States, millions of people are affected by intimate partner and family violence. National data show that:

  • About 1 in 4 women
  • About 1 in 9 men

will experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime.

Family violence is most commonly used by men against current or former female partners, but it can occur in many types of relationships, including:

  • Parent or step‑parent to child (a form of child abuse)
  • Between siblings
  • Between older children and parents
  • Between adult children and their aging parents (elder abuse)
  • Between carers and people with disabilities
  • In same‑sex and LGBTQ+ relationships
  • In kinship, blended, or “family of choice” relationships

Family violence is complex, and every person’s situation is different. People experiencing abuse need individualized support and access to safe, confidential services.

Family Violence in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Grand Rapids is the second‑largest city in Michigan, with a growing and diverse population. Local factors that can affect family violence include:

  • Cold winters and severe weather: Ice, snow, and long winters can increase isolation and make it harder to leave unsafe situations or access services.
  • Economic stress: Job loss, seasonal work, and financial strain can increase conflict and risk in some households (though stress never excuses violence).
  • Aging population: As in much of Michigan, elder abuse and financial exploitation of older adults are concerns.
  • Cultural and language barriers: Immigrant and refugee communities in Kent County may face extra barriers to seeking help.

Major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health work alongside community organizations to support survivors of domestic and family violence.

Recognizing Family Violence and Abuse

You may be experiencing family or domestic violence in Grand Rapids if someone close to you:

  • Threatens you, your children, pets, or loved ones
  • Controls your money, transportation, or access to medical care
  • Tracks your phone, social media, or online activity
  • Insults, humiliates, or constantly criticizes you
  • Forces or pressures you into sexual activity
  • Destroys property or harms pets
  • Prevents you from working, studying, or seeing friends and family
  • Blames you for their behavior or says the abuse is your fault

If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone and help is available.

Key National and Michigan‑Wide Family Violence Resources

These services are available to people in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan.

24/7 National Hotlines

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

    • Phone: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)
    • TTY: 1‑800‑787‑3224
    • Website & chat: thehotline.org
    • 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and referrals.

  • National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)

    • Phone: 1‑800‑656‑HOPE (4673)
    • Website & chat: rainn.org
    • 24/7 confidential support for sexual assault survivors.

  • StrongHearts Native Helpline (for American Indian and Alaska Native people)

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    • Phone or text: 988
    • Website & chat: 988lifeline.org
    • For emotional crisis, suicidal thoughts, or severe distress (including related to abuse).

Grand Rapids and Kent County Family Violence Resources

These services are local to Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Most are free and confidential.

Kent County Health Department & Public Health Resources

  • Kent County Health Department

    • Website: accesskent.com/Health
    • Provides information on local health and social services, including referrals for domestic and family violence support, mental health, and child protection.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health & Community Resources

    • Check the City of Grand Rapids website for updated links to community organizations, legal aid, and housing resources that support survivors of family violence.

Domestic and Family Violence Services in Grand Rapids

YWCA West Central Michigan – Domestic Violence Services

The YWCA West Central Michigan is one of the primary domestic and family violence service providers in Grand Rapids.

Services include:

  • 24/7 confidential crisis line
  • Emergency shelter for adults and children escaping violence
  • Safety planning and risk assessment
  • Legal advocacy (personal protection orders, court accompaniment)
  • Counseling and support groups
  • Services for children who have witnessed or experienced violence

Contact:

  • Phone (24/7 crisis line): (616) 454‑9922
  • Main office: (616) 459‑4681
  • Website: ywca.org (search “Domestic Violence Services”)

Safe Haven Ministries – Domestic Abuse Services

Safe Haven Ministries serves survivors of domestic and family violence in the Grand Rapids area.

Services include:

  • Emergency safe shelter
  • Transitional and supportive housing
  • Safety planning and case management
  • Support groups and counseling
  • Faith‑sensitive services (for those who want them)
  • Education and prevention programs

Contact:

Family Outreach and Support Programs

Many outreach programs in Grand Rapids and Kent County help adults and children experiencing or recovering from family violence by:

  • Developing personalized safety plans
  • Providing case management and advocacy
  • Offering financial counseling and budgeting help
  • Connecting clients with healthcare, housing, and legal services

Ask the YWCA, Safe Haven Ministries, or the Kent County Health Department for referrals to outreach programs that fit your situation.

LGBTQ+ Family and Relationship Violence Support

Family and intimate partner violence can affect people of all genders and sexual orientations. LGBTQ+ individuals in Grand Rapids may face additional barriers, such as discrimination, being outed, or lack of family support.

Helpful resources include:

  • The Network/La Red (national LGBTQ+ domestic violence support)

    • Phone: 1‑800‑832‑1901
    • Website: tnlr.org

  • Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults)

Locally, you can also contact:

  • Grand Rapids Pride Center
    • Phone: (616) 458‑3511
    • Website: grpride.org
    • Can provide affirming referrals for counseling, legal help, and domestic violence services that are LGBTQ+‑inclusive.

Services for Immigrant, Refugee, and Multicultural Communities

Grand Rapids and Kent County have growing immigrant and refugee communities. Language, immigration status, and cultural expectations can make it harder to seek help, but you still have the right to safety, regardless of your status.

Look for:

  • Interpreter services at local hospitals (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health)
  • Multilingual staff and advocates at the YWCA, Safe Haven Ministries, and community organizations
  • Legal aid organizations that support survivors regardless of immigration status

National help:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – Language Access
    • Offers interpretation in 200+ languages: 1‑800‑799‑7233

Support for Native and Indigenous Communities

For Native American and Indigenous people in West Michigan:

  • StrongHearts Native Helpline
    • Phone or text: 1‑844‑7NATIVE (1‑844‑762‑8483)
    • Website: strongheartshelpline.org
    • Culturally specific support for family and intimate partner violence.

Local tribal health and community programs in Michigan may also offer culturally grounded support and advocacy.

Elder Abuse and Abuse by Carers

In Michigan, abuse of older adults and people with disabilities is a serious form of family violence. It can include:

  • Physical or emotional abuse
  • Neglect
  • Financial exploitation
  • Misuse of medications or medical decisions

If you suspect elder abuse in Grand Rapids:

  • Adult Protective Services (APS) – Michigan
    • Phone: 1‑855‑444‑3911 (24/7)
    • You can report concerns about an older adult or adult with disabilities.

Refuges, Shelters, and Emergency Housing in Grand Rapids

Many organizations in the Grand Rapids area provide:

  • Emergency shelters for adults and children fleeing violence
  • Confidential locations to protect safety
  • Emotional support and crisis counseling
  • Help finding long‑term housing
  • Support applying for public benefits and financial assistance

Contact for shelter referrals:

  • YWCA West Central Michigan – (616) 454‑9922 (24/7)
  • Safe Haven Ministries – (616) 452���6664 (24/7)

Additional housing resources:

  • United Way 2‑1‑1 (Heart of West Michigan United Way)
    • Dial 2‑1‑1 or 1‑800‑887‑1107
    • Website: hwmuw.org/211
    • Can connect you with emergency housing, food, financial help, and more.

Some shelters keep their addresses confidential for safety. You will receive directions and safety guidance once you speak with an advocate.

Health and Medical Support in Grand Rapids

If you have been physically or sexually assaulted, or if you need medical care related to family violence, you can seek confidential care at:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Butterworth Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Mercy Health facilities in West Michigan

Ask for:

  • A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) if you have experienced sexual assault
  • Help documenting injuries
  • Referrals to counseling, advocacy, and legal resources

You can receive medical care even if you are not ready to report to police.

Mental Health and Counseling in Grand Rapids

Family violence often leads to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional challenges. Support is available:

  • Network180 (Kent County Community Mental Health)

  • Mental health services through:

    • Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health
    • Private therapists and counselors (ask for trauma‑informed and domestic violence experience)

Safety Planning in Michigan’s Climate

In Grand Rapids, winter weather can make leaving an unsafe situation more difficult. When working with an advocate, consider:

  • Safe transportation options during snow, ice, or storms
  • Keeping warm clothing, medications, and important documents in a go‑bag
  • Identifying indoor public places (hospitals, libraries, 24‑hour stores) you can go to if you need to leave quickly
  • Planning routes that are safe in winter conditions

Advocates at the YWCA, Safe Haven Ministries, and national hotlines can help you create a personalized safety plan that takes Michigan’s weather and local resources into account.

How to Help Someone Experiencing Family Violence in Grand Rapids

If you’re concerned about a friend, neighbor, coworker, or family member:

  1. Listen without judgment.
  2. Believe them and validate their feelings.
  3. Avoid pressuring them to leave before they are ready; leaving can be the most dangerous time.
  4. Encourage them to call a local agency or national hotline for confidential support.
  5. Offer practical help (childcare, a safe place to keep documents, rides to appointments).
  6. In an emergency, call 911.

Where to Get Help – Summary

Emergency (Grand Rapids, MI)

  • Police / Ambulance / Fire: 911

Local Domestic & Family Violence Services

  • YWCA West Central Michigan

  • Safe Haven Ministries

  • Kent County Health Department

  • Network180 (Mental Health & Substance Use)

  • United Way 2‑1‑1 (Heart of West Michigan)

National Hotlines (Available in Grand Rapids)

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1‑800‑799‑7233
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) – 1‑800‑656‑4673
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline – 1‑844‑762‑8483
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

No matter where you live in Grand Rapids or West Michigan, you deserve to be safe. Help is available 24 hours a day, even if you are unsure about what to do next. You can reach out confidentially, explore your options, and make a plan that feels right for you.