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For many people, intimate partner violence is something they believe happens somewhere else — in larger cities, in troubled homes, or to people they do not know. The reality is far different. Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse exist in every community, including our own rural counties in Northern Michigan. They affect people of every age, profession, income level, and background.
Many survivors live in fear behind closed doors, isolated from family and friends and unsure where to turn for help. Some endure years of emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, financial control, stalking, or physical violence before ever reaching out for assistance. Others never ask for help at all because they fear retaliation or believe no one will believe them.
Intimate Partner Violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used to gain or maintain power and control over a spouse, dating partner, or former partner. Abuse is not always physical. It can involve emotional manipulation, verbal degradation, sexual violence, coercion, isolation, and psychological abuse that leaves lasting trauma long after visible injuries heal. Sexual abuse similarly involves any unwanted sexual act or contact without consent and can occur through force, threats, manipulation, or coercion.
Children are often the silent victims. Even when they are not directly harmed, witnessing violence in the home can lead to anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, difficulties in school, and lifelong emotional trauma. Without intervention and support, the effects of violence can continue from one generation to the next.
For survivors, leaving an abusive relationship is rarely as simple as outsiders imagine. In fact, it is often the most dangerous moment of all. Survivors may need emergency shelter, legal advocacy, transportation, safety planning, emotional support, and basic necessities simply to escape safely and begin rebuilding their lives.
That is why River House, Inc. exists.
This year, River House marks 40 years of providing life-saving services to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual abuse across Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Roscommon counties. What began in 1986 as a small grassroots effort supported by Grayling Mercy Hospital has grown into a trusted source of safety, advocacy, emergency shelter, and hope for thousands of individuals and families throughout Northern Michigan.
Today, River House serves more than 200 survivors, family members, and community members each year. Advocates work tirelessly to help individuals navigate trauma, access safety, and regain independence. Their work is carried out quietly and compassionately every day — often behind the scenes and outside of public view.
But the need continues to grow.
Like many nonprofits, River House faces increasing financial pressure at a time when demand for services remains high. The organization’s facilities, which have served survivors and their children for approximately 25 years, now require critical repairs and updates, including roofing, heating and cooling systems, and communal living areas. Grants and public funding alone are no longer enough to sustain both operations and necessary improvements.
This is not someone else’s problem. Intimate partner violence and sexual abuse impact entire communities — our schools, healthcare systems, workplaces, law enforcement agencies, and families. Supporting survivors strengthens the safety and well-being of the entire region.
The good news is that everyone can help.
Community members can support River House through volunteering, attending fundraising events, becoming sponsors, donating to the Chasing Dreams Resale Store, or making financial contributions. Upcoming fundraising efforts include a Corn Hole Tournament, Bingo events, a Wine Tasting fundraiser, and the organization’s 40th Anniversary celebration and “Dancing for River House” competition later this year.
Forty years ago, community leaders recognized that survivors in Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Roscommon counties deserved safety, dignity, and support. That need has not disappeared. If anything, it has become more urgent.
Survivors need safe places. They need compassionate advocates. They need communities willing to stand beside them.
Most importantly, they need hope.
Kimberly Scott-Munson is the Executive Director of River House, Inc., which provides free and confidential services to survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual abuse in Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda, and Roscommon counties.
