Through this award, the common ground victim assistance program will implement the multi-county comprehensive services for human trafficking victims project

The purpose of this project is to sustain, expand, and strengthen victim services for adult and youth human trafficking victims of all genders residing in the following 10 counties of southeast michigan: genesee, jackson, lapeer, livingston, macomb, monroe, oakland, saginaw, washtenaw, and wayne. Project activities will include the provision of victim-centered and trauma-informed services; implementation of a survivor-informed approach; and expansion of service delivery leading to increased community collaboration and training opportunities. Comprehensive services to be supported by this grant include: individual advocacy and rights awareness; 24-hour immediate crisis intervention and referral services; shelter assistance; emergency transportation to places of safety; long-term housing assistance; accompaniment to hospitals, courts, and medical screenings; accompaniment to legal hearings; assistance with victim impact statements; intensive case management services; safety planning; assistance obtaining a personal protection order; and assistance filing applications for michigan crime victim compensation. In gaining input from a lived-experience expert and acquiring a larger geographic footprint, expected outcomes include increased utilization of comprehensive services, greater understanding/awareness of human trafficking in the service area and ultimately, enhanced safety, autonomy and empowerment for victims/survivors living in southeast michigan.