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Attend “Life After Overcoming Trauma” on April 5 to Uplift Survivors of Domestic Violence
Violence at the hands of an intimate partner affects more than 10 million people in the U.S. each year. For incarcerated women, the numbers are even more staggering—over 77% have experienced intimate partner violence, and 86% have survived sexual violence. These deep, lasting traumas are directly connected to the cycle of punishment and incarceration we work to end.
MI-CEMI is proud to stand with survivors and support our partners at the National Lifers of America, “Life After Overcoming Trauma,” a powerful event hosted by Minister Mary Marshall to raise awareness about domestic violence.
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MI Statewide Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community: Specialty Courts Discussion
This month, the MI Statewide Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community continues our deep dive into incarceration prevention by exploring specialty courts. These courts—such as drug courts, veterans courts, and mental health courts—offer alternatives to incarceration by connecting participants to services and support.
Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. EST
But do they truly deliver on their promises? Are they effective in reducing incarceration and recidivism, or do they create new challenges? How can local activists and advocates engage to push for meaningful improvements?
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The Power of Language: MI-CEMI Joins VAAC’s Weekly Coalition Meeting
At MI-CEMI, we know that words matter. The language we use shapes how society views individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. That’s why we created the MI-CEMI Impact Language Glossary—a resource designed to help advocates, media professionals, and policymakers use language that uplifts rather than dehumanizes.
On Friday, March 7th, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM EST, we’re excited to join Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC) as a guest at their weekly coalition meeting.
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Together, we’ll explore the impact of person-centered language and discuss how intentional word choices can shift narratives, influence policy, and advance justice.
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Michigan Violence and Incarceration Prevention Learning Community Session on Diversion
Often someone’s involvement in the criminal legal system is the result of underlying problems like poverty, mental illness, or substance use disorder. Arrest, jail, and prison don’t address these underlying problems, and as our friends at Michigan Liberation remind us, “You can’t get well in a cell.”
Many sessions in our learning community have focused on what actors outside the criminal legal system can do to prevent violence and incarceration such as alternative emergency response, community violence intervention, and restorative justice. For this series we look at ways people involved in the criminal legal system can divert or deflect cases and prevent jail time.
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Breaking Barriers: Strengthening Prison Programming Together
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first MI-CEMI Prison Programming Providers Table quarterly convening of 2025. Our discussion explored key strategies, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen programming in-reach and relationship-building efforts.
The discussion highlighted that, while there is an important role for department-provided and mandated programming, there is a special transformative power when people voluntarily choose to participate in programming offered by peers and community members.
Key Lessons For In reach and Relationship Building: Panelists shared the following tips to help you successfully get your volunteers into facilities, build appropriate relationships, and deliver quality programming.
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