Canton Board proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, highlights embedded social‑worker program

At its Oct. 14 meeting the Canton Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encouraged residents and community partners to participate in awareness and prevention efforts.

Supervisor Grama Hudak (reading the resolution) cited statewide statistics and local programs and noted that Canton has an embedded social‑worker program within the Canton Public Safety Department that connects mental‑health professionals to law enforcement for crisis intervention and longer‑term care coordination. The resolution refers to the Michigan State Police 2023 crime report, saying "over 64,000 incidents of domestic violence were reported statewide," and urges support for survivors and collaboration with local and state agencies. The resolution also publicized a candlelight vigil Canton will host on Oct. 22.

Motion to adopt the resolution was made and supported on the floor; the board voted by voice and the motion passed.

Trustees and staff at the meeting highlighted the timing of the proclamation and urged residents who may be in danger to seek support. Multiple speakers referenced local resources including the township's embedded social worker, the Canton Police Department, and First Step (a local domestic‑violence support organization) as places to seek help.

The resolution encourages businesses, schools and faith‑based organizations to participate in prevention activities and reaffirms Canton Township's commitment to supporting survivors.