The Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes assaultive crimes arising from a domestic relationship. A Domestic Relationship is defined as: A spouse A former spouse A resident or former resident of the defendant's household An individual who has a child in common with the victim An individual who has/had a dating relationship with the victim

• The Prosecutor's Office Domestic Violence Unit can be contacted at: 313-224-5857
  
  
• The Detroit Police Department can be contacted at 313-833-9817

To report a domestic violence case the following steps should be taken:

• In an emergency call 911
• Make sure a police report is filed
• After the report is filed, the detectives at the police department will investigate your complaint and determine if a warrant request will be submitted to the prosecutor's office

When a warrant request is received at the prosecutor's office a specially trained domestic violence prosecutor will review the warrant. At this stage the prosecutor will also interview the complainant to determine if the offender should be charged with a crime and if so determine what crime will be charged.

If the warrant is authorized, the case begins. The case may be charged as a misdemeanor or felony case. Both are handled by domestic violence prosecutors. You will also be assigned a domestic violence court advocate who will guide you through the court process.

Domestic Violence Court Advocates provide assistance by providing information about:

• Court dates
• Court procedures
• Your rights
• Counseling referrals

They will also accompany you to court and help you determine if you qualify for Crime Victim Compensation. Domestic Violence Court Advocates can be reached at 313 224-5857.

Additional Information about court advocates can be found in the Crime Victims Rights Book.

Personal Protection Order (P.P.O) is an additional tool available for victims of Domestic Violence.

PPOs can be used to prohibit an offender from:

• Assaulting, attacking, beating or molesting you
• Entering onto your property
• Threatening to kill or physically harm you
• Removing children from you unless authorized by you or the court in writing
• Interfering at your place of employment
• Stalking conduct such as telephoning, following you or writing letters
• Purchasing or possessing a firearm
• Or any other conduct prohibited by the court

PPOs can be obtained from the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (City County Building) on the 9th floor.

There is no cost to get a PPO. However, there may be a cost to have the offender served with his copy of the PPO.

For further information on obtaining a PPO call the Wayne County Clerk's office at 313 224-6292. Click here to view the Wayne County Council Against Family Violence pamphlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I have been assaulted but did not call the police, is it too late?

Q. I would like to prosecute but I don't want him to go to jail and lose his job, are there alternatives to jail?

Q. How do I get into a shelter?

Q. Will I have to testify in Court?

Q. My children have been traumatized by domestic violence. Should they go to counseling?