Kent County Victim Witness

10/14/2026

09/29/2026

One photo. Then the threats start.

Sextortion often begins with a message or friend request from someone who seems to be your age. The person may appear friendly, trustworthy, or familiar. They might spend time building a conversation and gaining your confidence before asking for a n**e or sexually explicit photo.

Once they receive it, the situation can change quickly.

They may threaten to send the image to your family, friends, classmates, school, or coworkers unless you pay money or send more photos. They may use fear, embarrassment, and pressure to make you feel trapped.

If this happens:

• Don’t pay. Paying usually does not stop the threats. It may encourage the person to demand more money or additional images.

• Don’t send more photos or personal information. Do not negotiate or agree to meet the person.

• Stop responding, but save the messages and account information. Keep screenshots of threats, usernames, profile links, payment requests, phone numbers, and other details. Do not delete evidence.

• Report the account and images. Use the platform’s reporting tools, and ask the platform to remove any intimate images shared without your consent.

• Secure your accounts. Block the person, change your passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and review your privacy settings.

• Tell a trusted adult or law enforcement immediately. A parent, guardian, school counselor, teacher, or school resource officer can help you make a safety plan and report what happened.

• If you feel overwhelmed or think you might hurt yourself, get help right away. Contact emergency services or a crisis hotline, and stay with someone you trust.

You may feel ashamed, frightened, or worried that everyone will find out. Those feelings are common, but you do not have to handle this alone. Sextortion is a crime, and asking for help is the safest and strongest thing you can do.

Don’t let embarrassment keep you silent. You are not alone, we are here to help.

09/25/2026

Today is the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.

It is a day to remember the lives lost to violence in our community and the families that are forever changed by the impact of homicide. Our office continues to be committed to supporting families through the criminal justice process and remembering with them.

https://ovsjg.dc.gov/page/september-25th-national-day-remembrance-homicide-victims

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾❤️ Here are some photos of our staffs’ little family members who bring so much love and joy to their lives! 🐶🐕

08/26/2026

Our office appreciates our three lovely Spanish speakers! 💕 In honor of September 15 - October 15 being National Hispanic Heritage Month , we decided to get creative and celebrate in style! 🎉✨

07/30/2026

Join us next week Tuesday for National Night Out!

One week away! We will be in Rockford, South Christian High, Mary Free Bed, and Lincoln Park next week, stop by and check any of those events out, or chose another one. Tons of events all over Kent County. Get out and meet your neighbors!

06/19/2026

NOTICE: This Friday, June 19, Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed in honor of Juneteenth.

Marking 160 years, since the end of slavery in the United States, Juneteenth commemorates the day when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom - more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

This is a time to reflect on our collective history, honor the meaning of freedom, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more just community. As we observe this day, we remember the past, honor the lives impacted by slavery, and recognize the contributions, strength, and cultural impact of Black Americans in Kent County and across the nation.

We encourage you to visit some of the many events happening this Friday: https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2026/06/juneteenth-2026-brings-parades-music-and-civic-talks-to-west-michigan.html

06/16/2026

Tonight, some of our staff had the opportunity to volunteer at Women At Risk (WAR) and help prepare for their Estate Sale happening July 14–18.

WAR supports survivors of human trafficking around the world, with 90% of their profits going directly back to their mission.

Stop by their boutique, shop with purpose, and support a great cause!

06/12/2026

Some of our staff joined the West Michigan Welcome Plan at the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival, taking place at Calder Plaza on June 12–13, 2026! We're excited to connect with the community and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander communities in West Michigan.

06/11/2026

The "It Takes A Village" Violence Prevention program is gearing up across the City of Grand Rapids, the programs are scheduled to kick off this Friday. All of them are designed to reduce violent crime among youth by providing safe, engaging, and positive alternative activities during summer weekend evenings. The goal is to activate multiple venues throughout the city, this one will have a live DJ, food, art and other activities for teens. Check it out!