If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re facing something difficult, overwhelming, or deeply unsettling. You may feel unsure who to trust, what to do next, or how to make sense of everything in front of you.
I want you to know this first: you are not expected to have clarity right now.
MSR Institute was created because too many people are left to navigate serious situations alone, especially after domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or other high-risk experiences. Too often, survivors are given information without guidance, resources without direction, or are rushed into decisions before they feel ready.
This service exists to be different.
My role, and the role of MSR Institute, is not to tell you what to do or to push you toward a particular outcome. It is to help you slow things down, understand your options, and move forward in a way that protects your dignity, safety, and autonomy.
I understand that many of the people who reach out have lived through experiences that are complex, prolonged, or difficult to explain—sometimes experiences that others have minimized or misunderstood. You are not “too much,” and your situation is not too complicated to deserve thoughtful, respectful support.
At MSR Institute, we approach every client with care, professionalism, and structure. We focus on clarity, system navigation, and informed decision-making—without pressure, judgment, or agenda. You remain in control of your choices. We are here to help you see the path more clearly.
You do not need to know what the next months or years will look like. You only need a place to begin.
If this feels like the kind of support you’ve been looking for, you’re welcome to book a session when you’re ready.
With care and respect,
Millicent Starnes
Founder, MSR Institute
Crisis Navigation & Advocacy Support
Hi, I’m Millicent Starnes.
About MSR Institute
Why This Service Exists
This service exists because too many people are handed resources without direction, or expected to make critical decisions while overwhelmed, fearful, or unsupported.
While therapy supports healing and legal professionals address law, there is often no one helping individuals:
understand how systems work
assess risks before acting
prepare for interactions with institutions
organize information safely
decide what to do next
MSR Institute was created to provide that missing layer of support — thoughtful navigation during moments that matter.
This is a professional service designed to prevent costly mistakes, reduce harm, and protect dignity during high-stakes situations. Operating as a private-pay service allows MSR Institute to provide focused, confidential guidance without insurance constraints.
MSR Institute exists to provide calm, structured, and ethical support for individuals and families navigating some of the most complex and overwhelming situations of their lives.
This work was created with intention — to fill the gap between crisis hotlines, therapy, and legal systems — and to ensure that people facing domestic violence, sexual violence (including extreme or prolonged cases), stalking, and other high‑risk situations are not left to navigate critical decisions alone.
Advocacy Background
MSR Institute is built on a foundation of advocacy that recognizes the real‑world challenges survivors face after violence — not just what happened, but what happens after.
This includes navigating:
Domestic and sexual violence response systems
Legal and court‑related processes
Institutional reporting and investigations
Child and family safety concerns
Documentation and evidence organization
Interactions with professionals and authorities
Our work acknowledges that many survivors, particularly those with complex or extreme experiences, are often misunderstood, minimized, or left without clear guidance. MSR Institute exists to change that experience.
Our Mission
The mission of MSR Institute is to provide trauma‑informed crisis navigation and advocacy support that helps individuals and families understand their options, reduce harm, and move forward with clarity during complex and high‑stakes situations.
We are committed to:
Supporting informed decision‑making without pressure
Reducing system‑induced trauma
Centering dignity, safety, and autonomy
Offering guidance that is practical, ethical, and grounded in reality