Domestic Violence Intervention Program Plans for a New Emergency Shelter

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In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2023 the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is excited to announce that it is planning to build a new emergency shelter for victims of intimate partner violence in Johnson County. The facility will provide a safe and secure space for victim/survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. DVIP’s new shelter will continue to offer a range of services and support to women, children, and men. The shelter will feature private suites for families, communal spaces, and a variety of resources to meet the needs of victim-survivors and their children. Groundbreaking for the project will happen in early May 2023.

The new shelter will double the capacity of the current facility which was built in 1993. DVIP’s current emergency shelter is at capacity 365 days each year and has been every day since the organization began in 1979. The new building will be equipped with state-of-the-art security measures to ensure the safety of residents, staff, and volunteers. Trained staff will be on-site 24/7 to provide counseling, support, and advocacy services to victim/survivors and their families.

“We are grateful to be moving forward with this new shelter to provide a safe haven for victim/survivors of domestic violence,” said Kristie Fortmann-Doser, Executive Director of DVIP. “The current building has served us well for 30 years. However, the demand for emergency shelter services has continued to rise. In the past 5 years, DVIP has served 38% more victim-survivors. It is vital for us to meet the increased need and update our space to provide the best possible services to those most vulnerable in our community.”

For over 40 years, DVIP has partnered with the community to support victim/survivors and provide safety solutions. Violence against women, men, and children happens every day. 1 in 4 women, 1 in 7 men, and 1 in 15 children will be affected by intimate partner abuse in their lifetime.