DETROIT (WXYZ) — A majority of the calls officers in Detroit’s Ninth Precinct respond to are domestic violence calls. They don’t just respond, they offer resources. They often wonder about what happens when the call is over.
With October designated as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, police wanted to raise awareness with an act of generosity and love. They executed a one-of-a-kind police operation to recognize a mom and two children who survived horrific circumstances.
Seven Action News is not sharing the mom’s name at her request, due to her concerns for safety after all she has been through. She said what police did for her means the world to her children.
“It means a lot because they have been through a lot since April. They have seen stuff I have never even been through,” she said.
On Tuesday, police prepared for a special police operation. Instead of loading up tactical gear to prepare, they loaded up everything from cake, to toys, to home goods and a security system. They were items officers purchased with persona donations and contributions from the community. They then delivered them to the mom and two children rebuilding their lives.
“Even though we are police officers, we are still people. And of course, the majority of our runs are domestic violence runs,” said Commander Sonia Russell.
Commander Russell says the Detroit Police Department wants domestic violence survivors to know police passionately want to help and can connect them with resources.
“Domestic violence advocates. We have a domestic violence social worker. We have a domestic violence unit that does a phenomenal job at finding housing and resources,” said Commander Russell.
While the department is always working to connect people with resources, COVID-19’ has at times led to a shortage of resources.
“There ended up being a backlog of survivors reaching out for resources and support,” said Ericka Murria, a Domestic Violence Advocate with the organization Supreme Transitions.
Murria says just as police adopted this family, you can adopt a family too.
“I was excited to see her children and have a reason to smile this week and this month. It is a blessing to be able to make someone’s day,” said Murria.
“I want to thank them. I really appreciate you all. My kids, their faces, you’ve seen it. They are happy and I am happy. I really appreciate everything,” said the mom police helped.
She said she has a message for others dealing with domestic violence in their lives, “You have to have strength and believe that is not what is for you.”
If you are a victim of domestic violence in Detroit and need help Detroit Police say give them a call.
The Ninth Precinct has a fund set up to help domestic violence survivors pay PPO fees. If you would like to do so you can do so at www.detroitpublicsafety.org. Make not that your donation is for the PPO fund.
If you would like to adopt a survivor email SupremeTransitions@gmail.com.
