December 09, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointments of Jeffrie Cape, of West Bloomfield, Jim Fink, of Ypsilanti, and Cris Mary Sullivan, of Potterville, to the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board.
The seven-member Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board was established within the Department of Human Services and is responsible for focusing state activity on domestic and sexual violence prevention and treatment. The board administers state and federal funding for domestic and sexual violence shelters and advocacy services, develops and recommends policy, and develops and provides technical assistance and training.
“Domestic and sexual violence are serious crimes that threaten victims and impact both their physical and mental health and well-being,” Snyder said. “I am grateful that these appointees are dedicated to continued service on this important board.”
Cape has more than 25 years of clinical experience and is the director of Charron Services. In her position, she works directly with men who have been abusive to their partners; survivors, children who have witnessed violence in their family, and women who have used force. She started HEAL (Helping Explore Accountable Lifestyles), a 52-session batterer intervention program and WEAVE (Women Exploring Accountably Violent Encounters) in Oakland County. Cape is one of the founding members of the Batterer Intervention Services Coalition of Michigan, and has worked with several counties in creating local standards for batterer intervention. Cape holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Illinois Circle Campus and a master’s degree in social administration with a concentration in direct service, family and child specialization from Case Western Reserve University.
Fink is an attorney with Fink & Valvo, and has been in private practice for more than 15 years. Previously, he spent more than 20 years in various capacities with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, including as commander, and in the Eastern Michigan University Police Department. Fink holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law.
Sullivan is the associate chair of the Psychology Department at Michigan State University, the director of the MSU Research Consortium on Gender-based Violence, a senior fellow of University Outreach and Engagement, and professor of ecological psychology. She is nationally recognized for her research and commitment to the subject matter. Sullivan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in ecological community psychology, and a doctorate in ecological community psychology, all from Michigan State University.
Members serve three-year terms expiring Dec. 4, 2016, and the appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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