The michigan department of health and human services (mdhhs) will advance the use of technology to assist victims of crime, specifically those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human…

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Victims of Crime awarded the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services a $500,000 cooperative agreement on October 1, 2025, under the Crime Victim Assistance/Discretionary Grants program (CFDA 16.582) to advance technology-enabled services for crime victims, particularly those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

MDHHS will develop and strengthen the Voices4 statewide hotline infrastructure by implementing secure, user-centered technological solutions for deaf and hard of hearing survivors. Deliverables include new accessibility features such as video relay services integration, live captioning tools, and end-to-end encryption for webchat, alongside staff training in trauma-informed support across chat, short message service, and phone modalities. The project will enhance digital platform accessibility and service responsiveness for communication-disabled survivors.

Performance occurs in Lansing, Michigan, with a period of performance extending from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. The Michigan Coalition To End Domestic And Sexual Violence (MCADSV) serves as a sub-recipient, receiving a sub-award (15POVC25GK01384NONF-E20265132) issued February 1, 2026.

The michigan department of health and human services (mdhhs) will advance the use of technology to assist victims of crime, specifically those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Mdhhs will implement the meaningful access through technology for deaf survivors and human trafficking survivors to improve interactions with survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing (HOH) and communication disabled with elevated service quality, accessibility and responsiveness. The project will develop and strengthen the VOICES4 statewide hotline infrastructure by improving and implementing secure, user-centered technological solutions for deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) survivors enhancing digital platform accessibility; and ensuring staff are equipped to provide trauma informed support across chat, short message service (SMS), and phone modalities. The statewide project activities include new accessibility features for deaf/HOH users, such as video relay services (VRS) integration, live captioning tools, end-to-end encryption for webchat, and staff training and guidance for trafficking related disclosures.