Guidance and Support: Navigating Legal Processes and Immediate Crisis Intervention

HAVEN social action advocates offer confidential, free support and education to victims and their families experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault (SA). Our dedicated team assists individuals navigating the legal system for criminal cases, providing immediate crisis intervention, safety planning and emotional support.

Safety Planning


  • A personalized, practical plan to improve your safety while experiencing abuse, preparing to leave an abusive situation or after you leave.
  • A safety plan is a set of actions that can help lower your risk of being hurt by your partner. 
  • Keep in mind, for a safety plan to work for you, the information you share must be honest and accurate. HAVEN empowers survivors to create a plan that works for them and their situation.
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Legal Advocacy


  • All services provided are completely free.
  • HAVEN prioritizes confidentiality in delivering advocacy services to survivors.
  • HAVEN legal advocates are not attorneys, they are well-versed in the criminal legal system and victims' rights. They offer support throughout the entire process, from investigation and prosecution to sentencing and beyond.
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Personal Protection Orders (PPOs)


  • Filing a PPO does not require a police report. 
  • PPOs are person-to-person, meaning they are filed against a specific individual rather than a group or unnamed person
  • They are public record. 
  • Advocates explain how a PPO can fit into an overall safety plan and provide guidance on what to expect during the process. 
  • Assistance with drafting and filing PPOs, as well as accompaniment to hearings, is available in person and via video. 
  • Emergency payment for PPO documents is also provided.
  • Residents of any county can file a PPO and access HAVEN services. 
  • For more details on PPOs, please visit the Oakland County Circuit Court website.
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