How to spot and respond to domestic violence | The Metro

The month of October brings awareness to the dangers of domestic violence, but what is classified as domestic violence? What about human trafficking? 

The definitions go beyond the story of the battered woman or someone taken in a parking lot by a stranger. 

According to Michigan State Police, in 2025, there were 67,958 reported incidents of domestic violence. 74,000 involved with the incidents were listed as victims, with 78 lives lost.

For the past 50 years, the Oakland County non-profit Haven has supported survivors of domestic and partner violence. 

The organization offers temporary housing, prevention education and court advocates, just to name a few. 

In October, Haven promoted and participated in two events. The non-profit held its first Day of Giving, with a goal of raising $100,000 in 24 hours.

At the end of the month, Haven partnered with The Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking Prevention Committee at Henry Ford to host the 13th annual Silent Witness Commemoration Service, which honors the lives lost to domestic and partner violence.

Ivette Brown is the court advocacy and prevention education director for Haven. Brown was also a former Auburn Hills police officer and detective. 

She joined The Metro to talk more about Haven, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and why speaking up and leaving isn’t a one step process.