November 9, 2005

            LANSING -- Attorney General Mike Cox announced today the renewal of a $575,000 federal grant that allows Cox to expand his efforts to prevent and prosecute domestic violence cases throughout Northern Michigan.

            “These federal dollars have allowed us to take a more proactive approach in stopping one of society’s most destructive crimes,” said Cox. “By placing specialized prosecutors into local communities, we are better able to guide domestic violence victims through the legal process, making Northern Michigan safer for families and children.”

            With the renewal of the grant for an additional two years, the Attorney General’s Northern Michigan Domestic Violence Consortium has added a third Special Assistant Attorney General (SAAG) and two new counties, Roscommon and Kalkaska. The consortium now serves nine Northern Michigan counties, including: Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, Antrim, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Roscommon and Kalkaska. Each SAAG works in partnership with local prosecutors to try cases and works with domestic violence advocates to educate law enforcement agencies.

            During the first 18 months of the program, April 2004 through October 2005, the consortium has charged almost 2,000 cases, including felony and misdemeanor domestic violence, violations of personal protection orders, and violations of probation and parole.

            “This program will undoubtedly benefit the victims of domestic violence in Roscommon County by providing additional resources to my office to more effectively prosecute domestic violence cases and offer further guidance to victims during this potentially emotional and difficult legal process,” said Roscommon County Prosecutor Mark Jernigan.

            “We in Kalkaska County are excited about teaming up with the Attorney General's office to combat domestic violence,” said Kalkaska County Prosecutor Brian Donnelly. “This project will focus the efforts of domestic violence advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts to impact this important problem.”

            The Attorney General’s Northern Michigan Domestic Violence Consortium is a joint effort of the Michigan Department of Attorney General, the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, the Department of Human Services, the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan, and the elected prosecutors from each participating county. Working in partnership, the consortium seeks to ensure consistent charging and handling of domestic violence matters.

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