October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

Stemming from a national “Day of Unity” in 1981, communities across the country have come together in October to bring awareness and celebrate the resilience of domestic violence victim-survivors. DVIP/RVAP Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Crisis Services continues to build on the awareness programs started over 45 years ago. This year’s theme – “Why the Work Matters” reminds us why, decades later, these activities help to change the course of victim-survivors’ lives and fulfill our mission of Safety and Dignity. Always. 

As advocates, we meet with victim-survivors every day who share their struggles to find safety, overcome impossible obstacles, and rebuild their lives. All of the work DVIP/RVAP does is in service to them and made possible by our community partners who are willing to stand up and say, “We believe you, we support you, and we are here for you”.  

This important work matters because no one deserves to be unsafe in their own home or with someone they love. 

• Because everyone deserves to be safe at home
• Because everyone should have a home; [stat] victims of crimes are evicted/live on the streets.
• Because people who abuse isolate their victims, and help should always be accessible.

Over 20% of evicted individuals had experienced domestic or intimate partner violence prior to their first eviction. 43% for Young Adults: For young adult renters, the connection is even more stark: a report by the Alliance for Safety and Justice indicated that 43% of young adults evicted in a given year were also victims of violence during that same timeframe.

We hope that you join us at one of the upcoming awareness events this October – that you think about what your why is and ask us about ours. In the words of our Co-Executive Director, Alta Medea, “The more we talk about domestic and sexual violence, the more we take power away from perpetrators and put it into the hands of victims. Let us change the power dynamic as a community and show those that need us that they are not alone.” 

Upcoming events:

• • Community Proclamations – Multiple city council and board of supervisors meetings across the DVIP/RVAP service region will be proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month – show your support by attending these meetings and silently standing with our advocates. (September – October: contact communityengagement@dvipiowa.org to find out when your community’s proclamation is)
  • Shop for Safety – Advocates and Volunteers will be at HyVee and Fareway stores on October 9th from 3:30 to 6:30 pm in Burlington, Mt. Pleasant, Keokuk, Ft. Madison, and Washington. This event invites the public to donate items from our shopping list that are then distributed to victim-survivors within the community. These items provide non-perishable foods, hygiene products, and more for nearly six months!

• • Library Displays – Throughout all 8 counties in the DVIP/RVAP service region, local libraries are helping us turn the page on domestic violence with displays featuring books that discuss survivors’ stories, resiliency, and paths to healing. Visit your local library to learn more or visit our reading list online.

• • Shop for Safety – Advocates and Volunteers will be at Johnson County area HyVee and Fareway stores on October 17th from 9 am to 2 pm. This is one of the largest in-kind donation drives of the year and provides much-needed hygiene supplies, non-perishable foods, and kid snacks to victim-survivors residing in our emergency shelter and receiving services throughout Johnson County. These supplies last up to 6 months and are vital for DVIP/RVAP’s ability to remove barriers that victim-survivors face daily.
  • Clothesline Project – The Clothesline Project is a visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored. Each shirt displayed is made by a survivor of violence or by someone who has lost a loved one to violence. During the exhibit, participants hear three distinct sounds. Each represents the frequency of different violence statistics. The gong is struck every 10-12 seconds to indicate a person being physically abused by an intimate partner. The whistle is blown every minute to indicate a sexual assault being reported. The bell is rung every four minutes to indicate a person dying in a violent attack. Throughout the month, community members are invited to join us in a shirt-making session and/or attend the Clothesline Project in their respective communities. To learn more about a shirt-making session near you, please email communityengagement@dvipiowa.org.

Clothesline Project Displays:

• • • • Mt. Pleasant, Iowa Public Library, Large Study/Meeting Room, October 5th, 2-5 pm
      • Iowa City, Iowa Greenhouse, October 10th, 10 am – 1 pm
      • Burlington, Iowa TBD, October 13th, 4-7 pm
      • Keokuk, Iowa Public Library Round Meeting Room, October 19th, 2-5 pm
      • Ft. Madison, Iowa Public Library Shaeffer Meeting Room, October 26th, 2-5 pm
      • Washington, Iowa Public Library State Bank Room, November 5, 2-5 pm

• • Community Night Fundraiser – Join us at Fat Jimmy’s Smokehouse and Spirits for a Community Night Fundraiser on

    

    October 24 from 6-8 pm. 10% of sales will support Lee County victim-survivors. Brandon Lawson will be performing live and will play a little something for everyone. Fat Jimmy’s is located at 3065 Mississippi River Rd, Montrose, IA 52639. Interested in hosting a community night fundraiser? Get ahold of Bre at breanne@dvipiowa.org or 319.333.4446.

Interested in supporting us with the gift of time? Please find the volunteer opportunity that fits below:

• Johnson County Shop for Safety Volunteer Sign-Up
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month Volunteer Opportunities
• Ongoing General Volunteer Application