Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice Michigan Chapter

Crime survivors in Michigan are advocating for the Safer Michigan Act, new policies that would make the state safer by increasing support for crime victims and prioritizing rehabilitation.

Increase Access to Victim Compensation (HB 4674/4675): Removes barriers to Michigan’s victim compensation program to ensure access for all victims of crime, broadens support to cover actual costs faced by victims (funeral expenses, lost wages, other losses from victimization), eliminates the eligibility requirement to report a crime within 48 hours, and extends the time limit to file a victim compensation application from one to five years.

Expand Housing Protections (HB 4676): Extends protection so all survivors of violence can relocate and terminate a lease when necessary for their safety.

Prioritize Rehabilitation (HB 4670-4673): Increases participation in rehabilitation programs, like workforce development, for eligible incarcerated people who will eventually be released by using productivity credit incentives. Preparing people to be job-ready and successfully return to their communities is a proven approach to reduce recidivism and help stop cycles of crime.

Implement Trauma Recovery Center Funding: Work with state officials to implement funding to establish trauma recovery centers that provide critical victim services in underserved communities.