Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on April 10 new and ongoing efforts by the Department of Attorney General to support sexual assault survivors, coinciding with Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The department has focused on providing justice and closure for victims through various initiatives, including clearing untested sexual assault kits, investigating clergy abuse, extraditing fugitives wanted for sexual assault back to Michigan, and accepting additional criminal cases from counties across the state.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to address the needs of vulnerable populations and advance social action against human trafficking, according to the official website. Nessel said, “Sexual assault survivors have long felt forgotten by the very legal system meant to protect them. As Attorney General, I have prioritized a victim-centered approach and ensured it is at the heart of everything we do. From tracking down fugitives trying to outrun accountability to documenting the stories of clergy abuse survivors, our focus has been and will always be pursuing justice and supporting victims. We will continue to amplify their voices and foster an environment where they feel heard and believed.”
In 2024, Operation Survivor Justice was launched as a partnership between state prosecutors, local county prosecutors, and federal marshals. This initiative aims to locate fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants. So far it has reviewed 109 cases statewide; 20 were adopted for prosecution or extradition in several counties including Wayne and Wexford. Of those prosecuted cases, most resulted in prison sentences.
The department also manages Michigan’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), which allows victims whose evidence kits were previously untested another chance at having their case investigated using trauma-informed practices. More than 600 such cases have been handled across multiple counties since SAKI began in 2016; there are currently over 40 active investigations underway.
Other recent measures include releasing reports about allegations of abuse within five Catholic dioceses—Grand Rapids, Marquette, Gaylord, Kalamazoo, Lansing—with further reports expected later this year regarding Saginaw and Detroit dioceses. To date these investigations led to criminal charges in eleven cases statewide.
Additional resources include an Address Confidentiality Program launched last year that now protects more than six hundred individuals who fear harm if their physical address is revealed—a move that aligns with public service priorities described by the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s official website—and a new Crime Victim Rights webpage offering guidance on compensation programs as well as support services throughout Michigan.
According to information provided by the official website , Dana Nessel serves as Michigan’s fifty-fourth attorney general overseeing these statewide protections . The department exercises authority throughout Michigan not only through prosecution but also policy work such as drafting laws like Clean Slate , which expanded expungement opportunities .
Looking ahead , reports concerning other dioceses are forthcoming , while ongoing prosecutions reflect continued commitment from both state leadership and law enforcement partners . Survivors seeking help or information can visit resources provided online by the Department.
