Business Details
20 Years
experience
Emergency
services
24/7 Sexual Assault Support in Detroit, MI
Avalon Healing Center is a dedicated nonprofit organization providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual assault, abuse, and human trafficking. Founded in 2006 as the Wayne County Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program (WC SAFE), we have grown into Michigan's largest and busiest program of its kind, offering free and confidential services to individuals of all ages and gender identities. Our team of specially trained forensic examiners, advocates, and counselors responds 24/7 to provide medical-forensic exams, crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy services. We prioritize survivor-centered care, ensuring access to justice, healing, and social change through expert witness testimony, community education, and partnerships with law enforcement and healthcare providers.With over 17,000 survivors served to date, we remain committed to advancing best practices in sexual assault response, addressing systemic inequities, and empowering survivors through personalized support. Our multidisciplinary approach integrates medical care, legal advocacy, and mental health services to address the complex needs of survivors, while our outreach initiatives promote public awareness and prevention education. As a leader in the field, we collaborate with local, state, and national organizations to improve standards of care and advocate for policy reforms that protect vulnerable populations.
Services
Assault Response
Counseling Services
Advocacy Support
Medical-Forensic Exams
Human Trafficking Care
Pediatric Services
Wellness Clinic
Crisis Intervention
Community Education
Legal Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 crisis response with forensic examiners and advocates available within 1 hour.
- All services are free and confidential for survivors of all ages and identities.
- Our trauma-informed care model integrates medical, legal, and mental health support.
- We pioneered Detroit's first comprehensive sexual assault center and lead national best practices.
- Specialized services for LGBTQ+, pediatric, and human trafficking survivors
What people say
24/7 crisis response
Free confidential care
Trauma-informed staff
Survivor-centered approach
Expert legal advocacy
Services
Assault Response Services
Immediate 24/7 medical-forensic exams and advocacy for sexual assault survivors. Our team provides evidence collection, trauma care, and system navigation. Services include emergency contraception, STI prevention, and expert witness testimony. Available to all ages and identities regardless of location or timing of assault.
Counseling Services
Individual and group counseling using trauma-informed, culturally competent approaches. Services address acute and long-term effects of sexual violence through personalized therapy. Includes specialized programs for LGBTQ+ individuals and secondary survivors like family members.
Advocacy Support
Comprehensive advocacy including court accompaniment, victim impact statement assistance, and housing/transportation support. Advocates help survivors navigate legal systems, access financial compensation, and connect with community resources for stability and recovery.
Medical-Forensic Exams
Confidential exams within 120 hours of assault for evidence collection and medical care. Provided by trained professionals in a safe environment. Includes injury documentation, HIV prophylaxis, and follow-up treatment. No cost to patients regardless of insurance status.
Human Trafficking Care
Specialized case management and trauma counseling for trafficking survivors. Services include relocation assistance, court accompaniment, and access to medical care. Staff have extensive experience addressing complex trauma from forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.
People
Kimberly Hurst
Founder & CEO
Certified Physician Assistant with 20 years in sexual violence care. Developed Detroit's first comprehensive sexual assault program. Recipient of Crain's Healthcare Hero award and Stanford Executive Leadership training. Leads Avalon's expansion of trauma-informed services.
Amy Smith
Director of Healing Services
Licensed MSW with 20+ years in sexual assault advocacy. Developed counseling programs and contributed to national rape kit best practices. Survivor-led expert in trauma recovery and community outreach initiatives.
Trinea Gonczar
Director of Engagement
Survivor advocate and public speaker featured in HBO documentaries. Focuses on preventive education and national awareness campaigns. Former gymnast and Larry Nassar survivor who received the ESPY's Arthur Ashe Courage Award.
Jessica Ojala
SANE Program Co-Director
Board-certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner with 800+ forensic exams performed. Provides expert testimony in state/federal courts. Maintains national certifications for adult and pediatric forensic nursing care.
LaKema Covington
Director of Crisis Services
Licensed MSW specializing in trauma and holistic therapy. Former domestic violence advocate with expertise in criminal justice system navigation. Certified Reiki practitioner integrating alternative healing methods into survivor care.
Questions
What services does Avalon offer for sexual assault survivors?
We provide medical-forensic exams, counseling, advocacy, and human trafficking support. All services are free and available 24/7 for survivors of all ages and identities.
How can I access emergency help?
Call our 24-hour crisis line at 313-474-SAFE for immediate assistance. Our team responds within 10 minutes and provides care within 1 hour of contact.
Are services confidential?
All medical, counseling, and advocacy services maintain strict confidentiality. We do not require police reports for care and protect survivor privacy.
Do you help minors?
Yes, we provide pediatric forensic exams and counseling for children 0-17 with law enforcement involvement. Family members receive support services regardless of the survivor's age.
How is Avalon funded?
As a nonprofit, we rely on donations, grants, and partnerships. Our Survivor Strong monthly giving program supports ongoing operations and service expansion.
