Mt. Pleasant and Henry County recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month

MT. PLEASANT — As September turns into October, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program and Rape Victim Advocacy Program receive recognition from Henry County and Mt. Pleasant officials naming October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

  Buy Photo

DVIP and RVAP provide comprehensive services to victim survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual violence, including raising awareness.

“DVIP just celebrated our 45th anniversary, so we're really excited about the history of our organization,” DVIP Director Bronis Perteit said at last week’s Mt. Pleasant City Council meeting. “We are really proud of the work that we have done in Henry County and the relationships that we have built here.”

According to Perteit, in fiscal year 2024, DVIP served 49 individuals in Henry County. Over their whole coverage area, which includes many southeast Iowa counties, they served 76 individuals, which equates to 483 services and 813 hours of advocacy time.

“I really just want to thank you all for acknowledging Domestic Violence Awareness Month and be willing to sign a proclamation,” Perteit said. “The work that we do is very important work. It is one of those things that people don't like to talk about, that they don't necessarily know exists unless it's in the media report or it comes by way of law enforcement or our medical facilities. But because we are the service provider, we know how prevalent it is and how much it how it impacts those individuals and how it impacts the communities. And so we're very grateful to be able to do the work that we do here in this town.”

In addition to raising awareness about domestic Violence, DVIP also officially added RVAP under their umbrella as of Monday, Sept. 30.

Throughout October, DVIP and RVAP will host several events and activities throughout their eight-county service region to support their cause and build further awareness of their services.

The organizations will host their annual Shop for Safety and Shop for Shelter events this month. These events are designed to assist victim-survivors served by DVIP and RVAP to receive access to the essential goods they need throughout the year.

On Oct. 10 from 2:30-4 p.m., staff will be on-site at grocery stores throughout the region collecting donations of the most needed items such as hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and food. Staff will set up at Hy Vees in Mt. Pleasant, Washington, Burlington, and Keokuk. They also will be at Fairway in Fort Madison.

The Shop for Shelter event will take place Oct. 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will collect similar donations which will go to those in need at their shelter. These collection events will be set up throughout North Liberty and Iowa City Fairway and Hy-Vee stores.

DVIP and RVAP encourage individuals to show their support for those that suffer from domestic violence by wearing purple on Oct. 17.

“Purple is the national color representing those most vulnerable in our communities, and on Oct. 17, we invite you to join us in wearing purple to show your support for victim-survivors,” a statement on the DVIP website reads. “This simple yet powerful gesture not only raises awareness but also demonstrates solidarity with those who have experienced domestic violence.”

Those that participate are encouraged to share their photos on social media using the hashtag #PurpleForAPurpose to help spread the message of solidarity in the fight against domestic violence and to show that hope, help, and healing are possible.

Throughout October, the organization also will show their appreciation for the emergency response personnel with baked goods for their dedication to protecting and serving their communities.

Additionally, community members can watch their local libraries for DVAM book displays in their local libraries. These displays will feature literature that address and represented domestic violence and offer insights and resources for those who may be experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. Participating libraries include Mt. Pleasant, Washington, Kalona, West Branch, Burlington, Tipton, West Burling SCC, Iowa City, North Liberty, Keokuk, Fort Madison, Keosaqua, Williamsburg, and Marengo.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com