Free Survivor Peer Support — Detroit & Wayne County, MI | First Step
First Step is Wayne County’s comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault agency, serving Detroit and the surrounding region with free peer support groups, advocacy, shelter, and crisis services for survivors. First Step’s support groups bring together survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and related trauma in confidential peer-driven settings where members can speak honestly about their experiences and learn from others walking similar paths.
What to Expect
First Step’s free survivor support groups meet on a regular schedule and include general DV survivor groups, sexual assault survivor groups, LGBTQ+ survivor groups, and specialty groups for specific aspects of the survivor journey. Groups are facilitated by trained First Step advocates and follow a confidential, peer-driven format. Beyond support groups, First Step operates the Wayne County DV crisis line (24/7), emergency shelter, transitional housing, court advocacy, and immigration services for survivors with complex situations. The agency is specifically trained to serve LGBTQ+ survivors and survivors from immigrant communities.
Who This Group Is For
First Step serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across Wayne County, Michigan — including Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Dearborn, and surrounding communities. Survivors of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, and immigration statuses are welcome. Specific LGBTQ+ survivor programming addresses the particular needs of queer and trans survivors who may face additional barriers in mainstream DV services.
Why Peer Support Works
Survivors of domestic and sexual violence often describe the particular isolation that comes from intimate violence — friends and family may not understand, mainstream systems can re-traumatize, and the work of safety planning and healing is hard to do alone. First Step’s survivor groups create steady peer community where the experience is shared and the healing happens alongside others. The agency’s longevity in Wayne County means many survivors have intergenerational ties to First Step’s work.
How to Join
First Step support groups and services are free. Visit firststep-mi.org to learn about current support groups, request services, or contact the 24/7 crisis line. New survivors can engage through the crisis line or through direct intake at one of First Step’s Wayne County offices.