Survivor recounts sexual assault, Turning Point outlines services during Mount Clemens presentation

Karen Bat Gager, representing the nonprofit Turning Point, introduced Samantha Dugan, who identified herself as a survivor of sexual assault and spoke to the city commission about the lasting impacts of violence and available local services.

Dugan described personal losses after her assault and said the goal of survivor speakers was to put a face to a statistic. "My assault was not a blessing. I lost my family, I lost my friends, I lost my career, my financial stability and my sense of normalcy," she said.

Turning Point told the commission that last year it provided services to 93 survivors who reside within the Mount Clemens community, offered 24-hour hotline support, and provided forensic exams and advocacy; the presentation noted 375 people received forensic exams last year. The organization also said it conducts trainings and school prevention programs, and encouraged community members to support survivors by believing them and by wearing teal ribbons during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Karen Bat Gager invited questions and said Turning Point’s hotline and services are available to survivors and their loved ones. She also promoted the group’s upcoming gala and local outreach events.

The commission received the presentation during its announcements and public participation period; commissioners publicly thanked Turning Point and noted the importance of prevention education and community support for survivors.