LANSING, MI - On Friday October 1st, a rally was held at steps of the Michigan State Capitol in Downtown Lansing from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

October 1st marks the first day of domestic violence awareness month. This is the 3rd annual rally against domestic violence where guest speakers and organizations from all over Michigan were in attendance to provide resources and share success stories of victims overcoming their traumas and getting out of a dangerous situation. 36% of women and 25% of men have experienced domestic violence.

Nicole Denson is the CEO of Mosaic Collective, LLC and has been helping other survivors for more than 15 years and she herself is a survivor and advocate for domestic violence and says, “We have to celebrate and acknowledge the pain that October is Domestic Awareness Month. Domestic violence brings a lot of shame and silence to the community as a whole, but also to survivors. These events where and every organization comes out and please know there is hope out there and every October we will be out here.”

Denson added, “No one is to blame for domestic violence and we need more resources here in Michigan where legislation and representatives hear us and make sure our movement is for everyone.”

If you or a loved one are facing domestic violence you can contact the End Violent Encounters Hotline at 517.372.5572. Or dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.