By Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley, with photo courtesy of the City of Flint Mayor’s Office
(Op-eds may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Flint Courier News, or its staff.)
Recently, the City of Flint took a meaningful step in addressing a crisis that too often goes unseen. Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), we awarded $25,000 to the YWCA of Greater Flint to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
This investment is not symbolic, it is necessary.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are not distant problems. They are happening in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces and in homes across our city. Behind closed doors, too many women are living in fear, navigating trauma and struggling to find a safe path forward. For many, the barriers are not just emotional, they are financial, social and systemic.
We cannot afford to look away.
The YWCA of Greater Flint has been a trusted partner in this work for decades, providing safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy. But beyond immediate support, they do something even more powerful by helping survivors rebuild. They help women regain stability, find independence and reclaim their sense of self. That is what this investment supports.
When a woman has access to safe housing, mental health resources and economic support, she is better positioned to break the cycle of abuse. When she is empowered, her children are safer. Her family is stronger. And our community becomes more resilient.
But let’s be clear, $25,000 alone will not solve this issue. Real change requires all of us.
It requires us to challenge the stigma that keeps survivors silent. It requires us to recognize the signs of abuse and to respond with compassion, not judgment. It requires us to support the organizations doing this work, not just in moments of crisis, but every day.
We must begin to see domestic violence and sexual assault for what they are: urgent public health and safety issues that demand sustained attention and action.
As mayor, I am committed to ensuring that the City of Flint continues to invest in solutions that protect and uplift our residents.
But government cannot do this alone. This is a community responsibility. So, what can we all be doing to help?
Start by educating yourself and those around you. Learn the signs of abuse. Have conversations with your family, your friends and your colleagues. If you know someone who may be in danger, do not stay silent, help connect them to resources.
Support organizations like the YWCA of Greater Flint, through donations, volunteering or simply amplifying their work. And most importantly, be part of a culture that says clearly and consistently: violence has no place in our community.
Flint is a city built on resilience. We have faced challenges and emerged stronger because we stand together. Now is the time to extend that same strength to those who need it most. Together, we can ensure that every person in Flint has the opportunity to live safely and thrive without fear.
