Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reaffirmed the Department of Attorney General’s commitment to supporting crime victims on Apr. 20, in recognition of Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Since taking office in 2019, Nessel has expanded services to ensure survivors across Michigan receive resources and assistance.
This announcement highlights the ongoing efforts by the department to protect vulnerable populations and address issues such as human trafficking, according to the official website of the Michigan Department of Attorney General. The department focuses on serving Michigan residents through public service initiatives and protection measures statewide.
“The top priority of our criminal justice system should always be to support crime victims, both by pursuing justice in their cases and standing with them along the way,” said Attorney General Nessel. “This requires a system that treats survivors with fairness while respecting their dignity and privacy. My office remains committed to ensuring victims do not have to navigate the criminal justice system alone.”
Nessel launched the Address Confidentiality Program in 2023, which currently protects over 660 individuals from domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking by keeping their physical addresses confidential. To mark Crime Victims’ Rights Week, she held a roundtable discussion about this program’s progress and future priorities.
The department’s victim advocate staff supports those involved in criminal prosecutions and other programs like Operation Survivor Justice and investigations into clergy abuse. In addition, Baylee—the first victim advocate dog—was introduced last year to provide comfort during court proceedings.
In 2024, Nessel formed a task force focused on Missing or Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) involving collaboration among tribal authorities, law enforcement officers at various levels, victim advocates, and human services specialists.
According to its official website, Dana Nessel is Michigan’s 54th attorney general who has exercised authority throughout Michigan for resident protection. The department also influenced policy through drafting laws such as Clean Slate for expungement opportunities in 2019.
To further empower victims statewide—a responsibility outlined by its official mandate—the department recently launched a new Crime Victim Rights webpage providing information about rights lists, compensation options, legal guidance for felony or misdemeanor cases,
and available support services.