MCEDSV

📣 Meet Your 2026 DONA International Virtual Summit Keynote Speakers!🎉 Our theme this October - Awareness to Action: Insight to Practice - is all about moving beyond knowledge and into real-world application. And our keynote lineup delivers exactly that. ✨ Dr. Kimarie Bugg, DNP, MPH, IBCLC, FAAN - Practical, evidence-based insight on how doulas can better support lactation from pregnancy through the fourth trimester and why that role matters more than most realize. @doctor_mama_bugg ✨ Amy Chen, Esq. - Back on the DONA stage for the first time since 2022, Amy breaks down the current state of Medicaid and private insurance coverage for doula care and what it takes to keep expanding access. ✨ Dr. Kaveri Mayra, PhD, MPH, BScN - Joining live from India, Dr. Mayra uses arts-based research to explore obstetric violence in perinatal settings and what birth and postpartum doulas need to understand about disrespect and abuse in care. @kaveri_mayra ✨ Dr. Phindile Chowa, MD - An unflinching look at what postpartum medicine consistently misses, and a concrete case for how doulas can step into those gaps. @drchowa ✨ Special Session: Chéree Thomas M.L.S. & Dr. Jessica Edel from the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence @mcedsv - You're already supporting survivors. This session helps you recognize it and respond, moving doulas from awareness to action on IPV in the perinatal period. Registration is OPEN - presale access is live until May 31st! 🌍 👉🏽 Go to donasummit.com to see the full schedule and register today. #DONAInternational #DONASummit2026

📣 Registration opens soon! Watch for the next announcement forthcoming when the full agenda and registration are LIVE! You will not want to miss this year's premiere gathering for professionals serving survivors of DV, SA, and Human Trafficking who work in accordance to build and sustain strong communities 💪 😎✊💜😎✊💜 To join the growing list of conference supporters (sponsor, table, exhibit!), email: [email protected].

We are proud to share that our Co-Executive Director, Chéree Thomas, has been appointed to the board of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). This is a powerful moment not only for our coalition, but for the movement as a whole. Leadership that is rooted in equity, lived experience, and cultural responsiveness is critical to advancing meaningful change for survivors across Michigan and the nation. “As a Black Woman Executive Director, accepting this board position comes with a great deal of responsibility. Just as the Black Women before me made it possible for my existence, I have an obligation to contribute in a way that leaves the organization better. This includes reducing the isolation and harm that many leaders of color are experiencing. I look forward to bringing forth my culturally honoring leadership style as I lead to change conditions in MI and the nation.” Please join us in celebrating this incredible leadership and commitment to building a more just and survivor-centered future. #MCEDSV

📸👖MCEDSV Co-Exec Directors, Chéree & Merkeb raising awareness for SAAM this denim day 📣 It's a great time to sport denim as they traverse State and National meetings across the country this week!

MCEDSV is proud to announce that Heath B. Lowry has been appointed to the Michigan Sentencing Commission. The Michigan Sentencing Commission, created by Public Acts 273 and 274 of 2024, is charged with serving as a resource to the Legislature and the public by improving understanding of Michigan’s sentencing and corrections system and developing policy recommendations to strengthen outcomes statewide. Heath was appointed as a representative of a non-governmental nonprofit that serves victims and represents victim service providers. In this role, Heath will help ensure that survivor-centered perspectives are reflected alongside the Commission’s broad range of expertise, including representatives from the Legislature, judiciary, prosecution, defense, corrections, behavioral health, and law enforcement. We are grateful for the confidence placed in our work and look forward to contributing thoughtfully as the Commission begins its work, including its first public meeting on May 7, 2026. #MCEDSV #WeBelieveSurvivors https://council.legislature.mi.gov/Council/MSC

Tomorrow April 29th is Denim Day. What you wear is never consent. Denim Day challenges victim blaming and harmful myths about sexual violence. Join us in standing with survivors by wearing denim and starting conversations that promote respect, accountability, and support. If you or someone you know needs support, confidential and anonymous help is available 24 hours a day at /hotline #MCEDSV #WeBelieveSurvivors #DenimDay #SAAM2026 #awareness

Last week, several of our staff had the opportunity to attend a class that strengthened our knowledge and deepened our ability to continue this work. We are grateful to @camwmedia for investing in our growth and supporting the work we do every day. #mcedsv #webelievesurvivors

If you or someone you know needs support, confidential and anonymous help is available 24/7 through the Michigan Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking Hotline (VOICES4). Call 855-VOICES4 or visit /hotline to chat online. #MCEDSV #WeBelieveSurvivors #awareness

You deserve safety. You deserve healing. #MCEDSV #WeBelieveSurvivors #sexualassaultawareness #awareness #saam2026

You are allowed to take up space. What happened to you does not define your worth.You deserve care, safety, and support exactly as you are today. #MCEDSV #WeBelieveSurvivors #saam2026 #sexualassaultawareness #awareness

We want to take a moment to extend our sincere gratitude to our incredible panelists, Jes Riley and Cindy Hales, for their time, insight, and leadership during Collaborating for Change: Community Partnerships and Policy Advocacy.   We also want to thank Alethia Kasben for her impactful contributions to the panel, The Role of Media in Shaping Survivor Services in Public Policy. Your perspective highlighted the critical role media plays in shaping narratives, informing policy, and elevating survivor voices.   Your collective knowledge and commitment help move this work forward, and we are grateful for the space you helped create for learning, reflection, and action.

Representative Gina Johnsen, representing District 78, graciously joined Survivor Services Day at the capitol and spoke to domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking service providers about the importance of engaging with policymakers. “Is there anything better than helping someone else? That’s what you all do.” -Representative Gina Johnsen