October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! At DVIP & RVAP, we are deeply committed to supporting victims/survivors, educating the public, and advocating for systemic change. DVAM allows us to highlight our efforts and work towards creating safer communities. We have planned several events and activities throughout our eight-county service region to support our cause and build awareness for our services.
Shop for Safety & Shop for Shelter
One of our most significant initiatives during DVAM is our annual Shop for Safety and Shop for Shelter events. These events are critical to ensuring that victim-survivors served by DVIP & RVAP have access to the essential goods they need throughout the year.
Shop for Safety: October 8th, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
We are partnering with several grocery stores in our rural counties on this event. Volunteers, board members, and staff will be onsite at each location to solicit donations for our organization’s most needed items. The goods collected at this event will provide hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and food for the individuals our agency serves within our seven counties outside of Johnson each year.
Participating stores include Hy-Vee Burlington Angular, Hy-Vee Mount Pleasant, Hy-Vee Keokuk, Hy-Vee Fort Madison, and Hy-Vee Washington.
Shop for Shelter: October 11th, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
We are partnering with several grocery stores in Johnson County on this event. Volunteers, board members, and staff will be onsite at each location to solicit donations for our organization’s most needed items. The goods collected at this event will provide hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and food for the individuals our agency serves at Terry Fortmann Emergency Shelter each year.
Participating stores include Fareway North Liberty, Fareway Iowa City Hightway 6, Fareway Iowa City Mormon Trek, Hy-Vee North Dodge, Hy-Vee Waterfront, Hy-Vee Lantern Park, and Hy-Vee Cross Park.
Your participation in these events makes a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.
Clothesline Project
The Clothesline Project is a visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored. Each shirt is made by a survivor of violence or by someone who has lost a loved one to violence.
The Clothesline Project will be held at Merge on October 21st, from 5-8 p.m.
City and County Proclamations
Every year, DVIP & RVAP staff attend city council meetings and board of supervisor meetings to declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and thank those who support our work in the communities we serve.
Sweets for Safety
DVIP & RVAP also uses this time to celebrate the support that victim-survivors receive from our public safety officials, including EMTs, firefighters, and the police and sheriff’s departments across our eight service counties. Their dedication to protecting and serving our communities is vital to our mission, and we show our gratitude for their commitment to victim-survivors by supplying them with baked goods throughout October.
DVAM Book Displays at Local Libraries
In collaboration with local libraries, we are launching DVAM book displays at libraries throughout our service region. These displays feature literature that addresses and represents domestic violence and that offers insights and resources to those who may be experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. This initiative is a crucial part of our efforts to educate the public and create a culture of understanding and support.
View our Domestic Violence Awareness Through Media post for more information.
Participating libraries include: Tipton Public Library, Mount Pleasant Public Library, North Liberty Library, Coralville Public Library, Keosauqua Public Library, and Washington Public Library.
DVAM is a reminder that domestic violence is a critical issue that affects individuals and families in every community. Your involvement—whether through volunteering, donating, or using this month to raise awareness in your own way—makes a huge difference in the lives of victim-survivors. We invite you to stand with DVIP & RVAP this October and beyond as we work together to create safer, more supportive communities in southern Iowa and beyond.
