Turning Point urges support as VAWA renewal approaches, outlines local services

Karen Bates Gazer, speaking on behalf of Turning Point, described the nonprofit’s crisis, shelter and advocacy services during the Mount Clemens City Commission meeting and asked local leaders to support survivors and national funding programs ahead of pending renewals.

"For 37 years, Turning Point's been providing emergency support prevention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community," Karen Bates Gazer said. She told commissioners Turning Point served 229 local survivors last year and noted the countywide 24-hour crisis line handles roughly 12,000 calls annually. Gazer said the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), first passed in 1994, helps fund forensic nurse examiners, crisis advocates and prevention education and is up for renewal in 2018.

Gazer asked the commission and community leaders to "commit to wearing a teal ribbon in April" for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to support the agency as some funding sources — including community block grant dollars and VAWA-related funding — may be at risk. She described Turning Point’s services across the county, including offices opening in Saint Clair Shores and new services planned in Romeo, and invited commissioners to community events such as a film festival screening at the Emerald Theater.

Commissioners thanked Gazer for the presentation. No formal action was taken at the meeting on Turning Point funding requests; the presentation served as an informational appeal to the commission and a public reminder about upcoming awareness activities.