Pajama party to raise funds for domestic violence victims

MARENGO — Seeing the success of last year’s Galentine’s Day event at Fireside Winery, The Domestic Violence Intervention Program and Rape Victim Advocacy Program will host another in February.

Alta Medea, director of community engagement for the organizations, said the pajama party will feature dancing, karaoke and prizes.

“[It’s] just a great opportunity for folks in Iowa County to come out and have some fun,” said Medea.

The outing for women and their pals celebrates the successes of the programs but also lets people know that Domestic Violence Intervention and Rape Victim Advocacy programs exist, what they do and how to reach them.

The party raises money for the organizations which recently merged. “One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to victim survivors in Iowa County,” said Medea.

The event is set for Saturday, Feb. 10 from 7-10 p.m. The cost is $15 for general admission. For $35, a person will be admitted and receive a commemorative T-shirt.

The event beyond casual. Pajamas are appropriate attire. “Last year we had people in their big fluffy robes,” said Medea. Women who attend the event can be casual and have fun “while we raise funds for an important cause,” she said.

Tickets will be available online at dvipiowa.org/. “We would love preregistration,” said Medea. The event is limited to 100 guests. “We want to make sure we have enough snacks and everything for everyone,” she said.

“Their kitchen will be open if people want to buy more substantial foods,” said Medea. And Fireside Winery will sell drinks.

Women should bring cash to the event for the cash raffle and a 50/50 raffle, Medea said.

In October of 2024, DVIP took over the Rape Victim Advocacy Program from the University of Iowa, Medea said. The organizations are still listed separately because women know them by their previous names, but the services are under one umbrella.

“We provide advocacy, whether that is at the hospital, through the justice system, … no contact orders, safety planning, one-on-on advocacy….” The organizations provide resources, such as help with utility and fuel costs.

They also provide prevention education, working with women, children and men throughout southeast Iowa.

“We serve eight counties in southeast Iowa,” said Medea. “Last year alone we served 93 individuals in Iowa County.”

The best way to access the services is through the hotline — 800-373-1043.

“The important thing that I want folks in Iowa County to know is that the funds we raise from this event stay in Iowa County,” Medea said. “Those donations go directly to your neighbors, people who live in those communities.

“We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Medea. It’s Iowa County’s only victim survivors program.

The organizations practice mobile advocacy for the convenience of the clients. “We go to meet victims where they feel safest,” said Medea. That might be a church or a library, she said.

Wherever they feel safe to share their stories and their needs, DVIP will meet them and help them find the resources they need, Medea said.