LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Stephanie Chang (D–Detroit) was among six legislators honored today by the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board with the 2018 Champion of Justice Award. The award was created to recognize legislators who championed laws that protect and support sexual assault and domestic violence survivors in Michigan.

Sen. Chang was honored for her efforts to have material on sexual assault and sexual harassment be provided in schools, and for her service and commitment to the Sexual Assault Tracking Commission when she was a state representative.

“I am humbled to receive this award and will continue to be a champion for women and girls at the Capitol,” Sen. Chang said. “We still have a long way to go to address sexual assault and domestic violence in our communities, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate on legislation that will help address this important issue.”

Other award recipients included former Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, former Rep. Laura Cox, Rep. Rebekah Warren (D–Ann Arbor), Rep. Kristy Pagan (D–Canton) and Rep. Diana Farrington (R–Utica).

“We are fortunate to have leaders in the Legislature who champion laws that protect and support survivors in Michigan,” said Debi Cain, executive director of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. “Each of these women have played a critical role in statewide efforts to enhance services and implement measures that empower survivors and promote comprehensive culture change in our state. We thank them for their strong leadership and look forward to ongoing partnership as we continue advocating for the best interests of victims and survivors in Michigan.”

The Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board is a seven-member governor-appointed board charged with funding sexual assault and domestic violence services for victims, providing policy recommendations on the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault and providing technical assistance and training to law enforcement, criminal justice professionals and others.

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Sen. Stephanie Chang (D–Detroit) received the 2018 Champion of Justice Award from the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board. The senator was honored for her efforts to protect and support sexual assault and domestic violence survivors in Michigan.