MPLP is proud to announce that the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, has filed an amicus curiae brief in support of our client in Blackman v. Millward, a case currently awaiting oral argument before the Michigan Supreme Court. Megan Reynolds of MPLP is lead counsel and MAP Managing Attorney Anna Moss is co-counsel in this case.
The Michigan Supreme Court ordered supplemental briefing and oral argument on two key issues in a custody case involving a survivor who was sexually abused and impregnated by her high school teacher while she was still a student. The former teacher, who pled guilty to criminal sexual conduct and remains incarcerated, filed a motion asking the court to compel the mother to facilitate video calls between him and the child from prison. The trial court ruled in favor of our client, determining that the father is barred from custody or parenting time under the Child Custody Act, and revoked his legal paternity under the Revocation of Paternity Act. The former teacher has appealed, arguing that the mother’s claims are time-barred.
RAINN’s brief highlights the urgent need for survivor-centered legal remedies and affirms that forcing survivors to maintain legal connections with their assailants can cause lasting harm. Their support brings national attention to the broader implications of this case. We’re grateful for RAINN’s support and will continue to share updates as the case moves forward.