Detroit Deltas

Safety Alert

Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you believe your Internet and/or computer usage might be monitored, pleae use a safer computer or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

Detroit Alumnae Chapter's Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Initiative

Recognizing that domestic violence is a serious societal ill, the Detroit Alumnae Chapter established a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (DVSA) Initiative, in collaboration with the Midwest Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Its purpose is to lay the foundation for the awareness and prevention of domestic and sexual violence through education and to provide support for those affected by these devastating societal afflictions. 

Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors used by one person involved in an intimate relationship to maintain power and contol over the other person. Domestic violence takes on many forms, with physical abuse being the most obvious form of violence; however, other forms of domestic violence include the use of intimidation; inflicting emotional abuse; creating isolation; minimizing the abuse; denying and blaming; using chldren; using gender rivilege; economic/finanial abuse; and the use of coercion and threats.

Sexual Assault and Abuse is any type of sexual activity that you do not agree to, including inappropriate touching; vaginal, anal, or oral penetration; sexual intercourse that you say no to; rape; attempted rape; or child molestation. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that foces you to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention.

For more information about Detroit Alumnae Chapter's Domestic/Sexual Violence Initiative, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Facts 

• The majority of domestic violence victims are women.
• One in three women report being physically or sexually abused by a partner at some point during their lives.
• More than 32 million Americans are affected by domestic violence each year.
• Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women.
• In the United States, someone is sexually assaulted every two minutes.
• One in six women are survivors of sexual assault.
• Ninety percent (90%) of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows.

Warning Signs of Domestic Violence

• Checking your cell phone or e-mail messages without permission.
• Constantly putting you down and/or calling you names.
• Exhibiting extreme jealousy or insecurity.
• Having an explosive temper.
• Isolating you from family or friends.
• Making false accusations/blaming you for things.
• Having mood swings.
• Physically hurting or threatening to hurt you in any way
• Being possessive
• Constantly telling you what to do.

How You Can Help Someone You Know

You can help someone who is abused or who has been assaulted by listening and offering comfort. Go with her or him to the police, the hospital, or counseling. Reinforce the message that she or he is not at fault and that it is natural to feel angry and ashamed. Here are some other things you can do:

• Don't be afraid to reach out to a friend who you think needs help. Tell your friend that you are concerned about his or her safety and want to help.
• Be supportive and listen patiently. Acknowledge his or her feelings and be respectful of your friend's decisions.
• Help your friend recognize that the abuse is not "normal" and is not his or her fault. Everyone deserves a healthy, non-violent relationship.
• Focus on your friend or family member instead of the abusive partner. Even if your loved one stays with his or her partner, it is important he or she still feels comfortable talking to you about it.
• Connect your friend to resources in the community that can give her or him information and guidance.
• Help your friend develop a safety plan.
• If your friend breaks up with the abusive partner, continue to be supportive after the relationship is over. 
• Even when you feel ike there's nothing you can do, do not forget that by being supportive and caring, you are already doing a lot.
• Do not contact the abuser or publicly post negative things about him or her online. It will only worsen the situation for your friend.