Our History

The Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (CDVSA) is a facility that provides both residential and nonresidential services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Midland and Gladwin counties.

The problem of domestic violence was first publicly recognized in Midland in 1976 at the founding meeting of the Council on Domestic Violence. Over 50 representatives from the legal, mental health, police and social services were present to testify to its frequent occurrence in Midland. The goals of educating the community and assisting survivors were adopted. By the end of the year, temporary shelter was being provided in the homes of volunteers. For four years, volunteers assisted survivors of domestic violence in their homes. In fact, this year CDVSA celebrates 30 years since its historic founding.

In 1980, funding was received from two local foundations - the Rollin M Gerstacker Foundation and the Midland Foundation – enabling the Council to establish the Shelterhouse. Opened on April 1, 1980, the Shelterhouse became a refuge where safety and emotional support could be provided to women and their children. In February of 1981, additional funding was received from the Herbert H & Grace A Dow Foundation.

In 1984, the organization created an assailant counseling program called “Alternatives to Violence” for the purpose of educating and rehabilitating batterers.

The Council merged with the Center Against Sexual Assault (CASA) in 1985. CASA was a four-year-old volunteer organization that offered 24-hour services such as crisis counseling, plus referral and advocacy to victims of rape and incest. The Council on Domestic Violence then became known as the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (also known as Shelterhouse). During this same time, the Council expanded its services to include Gladwin County.

Recognizing the need for continuing support and services to survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault, an Ad Hoc Committee was formed in the spring of 1988 to look into transitional housing possibilities. As a result of their vision and extensive fundraising efforts, “Bridges” was purchased in 1990. The “Bridges” transitional program continued until 1996 when it was eliminated in favor of affordable housing being constructed in the Midland community.

In 1992, the Shelterhouse established a comprehensive Children’s Program. This program focuses on those issues unique to child victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The goal of this program is to stop the generational cycle of violence. With master’s level therapists, this program enables therapy to be provided to children.

In 1996, a legal advocacy program was adopted by the agency to provide victims with assistance in preparing personal protection orders and victim impact statements. Additionally, this program provides an advocate for victims as they make their way through the legal and judicial systems.

On April 1, 1998, the Shelterhouse moved into a new 7,000 square-foot facility. This move allowed the agency and the staff to better serve the increased numbers of clients that come for help.

The CDVSA facilitates education and support groups for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Children’s groups and childcare are provided as well. The CDVSA also operates a 24-hour crisis line, provides counseling, referral and advocacy services, as well as temporary shelter for domestic violence and/or sexual assault victims (women and men) and their children. In addition, the CDVSA has advocates on call 24-hours per day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, to assist victims in crisis, in the hospital emergency room or through contact with the various law enforcement agencies.

The agency has had five Executive Directors, including the current Director.