November 01, 2026
WHEREAS, the mission of Family Court Awareness Month is to highlight the need to prioritize child safety in family court, as 1 in 3 families in Michigan are exposed to domestic abuse; and,
WHEREAS, an estimated 58,000 children in the U.S. are ordered into unsupervised contact with abusive parents each year, resulting in almost 1000 children in the United States murdered during visitation with an abusive parent since 2008. In Michigan, 39 children have been murdered by a parent since 2008 during divorce or custody disputes; and,
WHEREAS, the mission of Family Court Awareness Month is to promote judicial education that would include training on domestic violence, child abuse, childhood trauma, coercive control, and post-separation abuse for all professionals involved in family court cases; and,
WHEREAS, Family Court Awareness Month recognizes the need to incorporate evidence-based research into the court’s decisions. This includes the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study. This research highlights long term effects of exposure to abuse in childhood and emphasizes the need for research-informed and impartial decision-making to protect children’s well-being; and,
WHEREAS, Family Court Awareness Month aims to encourage collaboration among legislators, advocates, professionals, and the community to improve family court practices, ensuring they are guided by evidence-based research and prioritize the safety and best interests of children;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby declare the Month of NOVEMBER 2026 to be FAMILY COURT AWARENESS MONTH in Michigan.
