Survivor speaker urges Mount Clemens support for Turning Point services during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Pat Dwandler, introduced as a Turning Point survivor speaker, told the Mount Clemens City Commission on Sept. 17 that domestic violence is a pervasive problem that affects families and can become a cycle of learned behavior. Dwandler described Turning Point’s services, urged community members to believe survivors, and asked commissioners to wear purple ribbons during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to signal support.

Dwandler said Turning Point provided emergency shelter to 561 women and children countywide last year and served 78 residents who live in Mount Clemens. She described Turning Point’s prevention-education work — reporting the program delivered 320 educational sessions to 5,039 students, school staff and youth-service providers last year — and said participants scored higher on post-tests, indicating program impact.

A Turning Point representative noted that services are free and provided the local crisis line number, (586) 463-6990, and said the agency answers about 1,000 calls per month (roughly 12,000 per year) and offers counseling, legal advocacy and assault-exam services in multiple county locations including Mount Clemens.

"It is important that survivors know that the abuse is not their fault," Dwandler told the commission. "They are not alone and help is available." She asked commissioners to visibly support awareness efforts by wearing purple ribbons and to publicize Turning Point’s resources.

The commission acknowledged the presentations; commissioners later praised the Carnegie Hero Fund presentations and community programming during their comments. The Turning Point representative encouraged residents to attend related events, including a documentary screening and panel and walk events scheduled in October.