State Police Are Collecting Comfort Items For Survivors Of Sexual Assault
April 2023 marks the official 22nd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The campaign aims to stop sexual violence and support survivors. Statewide, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is participating in Sexual Assault Awareness Month by collecting comfort items for survivors. According experts, including The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), nearly 1 in 5 American women and 1 in 16 men have been sexually assaulted or has survived an attempted sexual assault.
This inspired the creation of “Purses with a Purpose.” Michigan State Police collects new and gently used purses filled with socks, toiletries, candy, and other comfort items. After the purses are collected, they will be given to local women’s shelters.
Returning for its third year, “Purses with a Purpose” has collected over thousands of purses for survivors. According to a news release, Trooper Andrea Tillman began brainstorming about a community service effort for her Cadillac post area, she found a focus during a meeting with the Oasis Family Resource Center.
“In our line of work, we see people leaving horrible situations all the time, and sometimes they can’t even grab necessities like a toothbrush or clean socks,” said Trooper Tillman. “I saw something online and tweaked the idea to fit our need. That’s how we started Purses with a Purpose.”
The Community Involvement Committee of the Women Leading Change ERG co-chairs, Trooper Tillman and Trooper Cabria Shirley suggested the group expand Purses with a Purpose to be a statewide initiative.
“This was our committee’s first ’big’ project,” said Trooper Shirley. “Like the original initiative, it was super successful with more than 6,000 purses, and countless comfort items, collected during the monthlong donation drive.”
These Metro Detroit posts are collecting new and gently used purses and bags filled with comfort items.
MSP Metro North Post
14350 W. Ten Mile Rd.
Oak Park, MI 48237
MSP Metro South
12111 Telegraph Rd.
Taylor, MI 48180
They suggest items include toiletries, socks, hand sanitizer, and candy. Donations are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purses stuffed with items will benefit HAVEN, Turning Point and Vista Maria.
For the full list of MSP posts collecting purses, visit the Community Calendar on MSP’s website here.
The State set up a website and hotline for survivors of sexual assault and abuse, and their allies. They offer resources that educate people about sexual abuse, how to help survivors, as well as health and legal options for survivors. You can access these resources online or by calling 855-864-2374.
