Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Denise Figurski, Turning Point; dfigurski@turningpointmacomb.org; 586.868.4524
Mount Clemens, Mich. – January 25, 2024 – Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources, is participating in the recognition of January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month while planning to add new facilities to expand its reach in serving human trafficking survivors. Sharman Davenport, Ph.D., President and CEO of Turning Point made the announcement, welcoming the heightened awareness of an issue that is pervasive in Michigan.
“As we’ve seen with recent reports, human trafficking is ever-present in our communities – and growing. There is a lot of work yet to be done to eradicate it,” Davenport remarked. “Through the support of a local church, our goal for 2024 is to open a new nine-bedroom, 27-bed shelter that will allow us to provide additional emergency shelter options for survivors of human trafficking.”
Davenport continued that Turning Point’s Housing Program is also adding 12 apartments, bringing the total to 20 apartments dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking transition to a life free of oppression.
“There is a great need for housing and other services to address human trafficking, and we are working with community partners, law enforcement, and government officials every day to tackle the issues,” Davenport said.
Because of the nature of the services, the exact locations for the shelters are not being released, but they will be located in Macomb County.
Human trafficking is defined as a person being compelled against their will by force, fraud or coercion into commercial sex acts or into labor or service, and it affects men, women and children. It might come as a surprise to some, but those who are survivors of human trafficking frequently know and trust their trafficker.
Turning Point first expanded its outreach beyond survivors of domestic and sexual violence to include survivors of human trafficking in 2021. Services for survivors include emergency shelter, transitional housing, forensic nursing, first response advocacy, and additional offerings to address complex trauma including individual and group support, life skills, and advocacy.
How can the community help combat human trafficking? When safe to do so, provide those in human trafficking situations with Turning Point’s hotline number, operational 24/7, at 586-463-6990; or contact via email at humantrafficking@turningpointmacomb.org.
About Turning Point
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors, their loved ones, and the community. Named Crain’s Detroit Business’ Best-Managed Nonprofit in 2023, its services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy/counseling, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, forensic nurse exams, first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. Second Hand Rose, another Turning Point service, provides survivors with gently used items while providing an opportunity for the community to donate and shop. Serving Metro Detroit for more than 44 years, Turning Point has helped over 125,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.
# # #
