1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Michigan Attorney General – Victim Services
Offers victim rights guidance, assistance during prosecutions, and referrals to state-funded victim support organizations. - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Victim Rights
Provides access to compensation, emergency services, and trauma recovery programs for crime victims.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Michigan Legal Help
Self-help portal for court forms, legal information, and referrals for protection orders, stalking, and defamation cases. - Michigan Advocacy Program
Offers free legal services for low-income residents facing harassment, abuse, or online defamation issues.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: MCL § 750.411h (Stalking) and § 750.411i (Aggravated Stalking)
What it means: Repeated, unconsented contact that causes emotional distress or fear. Aggravated stalking includes threats, violations of protective orders, or prior convictions. - Harassment: Addressed under stalking laws and MCL § 750.411s (Cyberstalking)
What it means: Covers harassing or threatening communications via phone, text, or social media. May be charged as part of stalking or cyberstalking. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Governed under MCL § 380.1310b (Education Code)
What it means: Requires schools to adopt and enforce anti-bullying and cyberbullying policies. Schools must investigate reports and protect student safety. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Based on Michigan case law and common law principles.
What it means: Victims may sue for libel (written) or slander (spoken) if false statements cause measurable harm. Michigan does not have a criminal defamation law.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Dial 911 for immediate danger or emergencies.
- Non-emergency reports may be filed with your local law enforcement agency.
- Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV)
Provides support for survivors, including legal advocacy, shelter referrals, and digital safety planning. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-866-863-7323
24/7 confidential support for anyone in Michigan facing domestic violence or related threats.
5. Support Organizations
- Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
Offers coordinated survivor services, outreach, and policy advocacy through local program partners statewide. - SafeHouse Center
Provides free legal help, emergency shelter, and trauma-informed services for victims in Washtenaw County and surrounding areas.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Victims may file a Personal Protection Order (PPO) to prevent contact, surveillance, or harassment. PPOs may address in-person threats, stalking, or cyber harassment. Michigan Legal Help and local legal aid offices can help prepare and file court forms.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Michigan Department of Education – Anti-Bullying Resources
Provides guidance for school bullying policies, prevention strategies, and reporting requirements.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Michigan Legal Help – PPO Tools
Includes form builders, instructions, and filing information for Personal Protection Orders.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers digital protection tips and safety guides for survivors of online abuse and stalking.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
