October proclaimed Domestic Violence Awareness Month

MT. PLEASANT — Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) Division six Rural Manager and Client Advocate Marquise Lewis and Health Liaison Shelby Ridenhour met with Henry County Board of Supervisors Thursday for a brief presentation and proclamation naming October at Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Thursday.

“The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) provides comprehensive services to victims and survivors of intimate partner violence,” Lewis said. “For over 40 years, we have offered support, resources and safety to individuals in our eight-county service region.”

According to Lewis, DVIP served 78 individuals, provided 610 services, and 941 hours of service in Henry County over the past year.

Supervisor Marc Lindeen expressed surprise at how many were served in our county.

“It scares me,” he said.

With prompting from the supervisors, Lewis explained how people get connected with DVIP.

There is a 1-800 hot line number that victims can call.

Once they are connected on the hot line, they will be transferred to the appropriate advocate and resources to help create a best plan for their safety and well-being.

“Domestic Violence is complicated,” Lewis said as he explained safety plans take precedence in service DV victims.

Supervisor Greg Moeller asked about youth services availability for children from infancy.

Youth Services are not currently available in Henry County, but services are available through Johnson County for this area.

“We’re trying to get that established in the southern counties around here,” Lewis said.

“Our CDS always mentions how from infancy people are formed and the mental status,” Moeller said. “It carries on with them, their entire lives.”

Lewis agreed with Moeller’s assessment and assured that DVIP wants to work with young people affected by domestic violence for this reason.

Moeller went on to read the proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“A Proclamation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month October 2022,” Moeller read. “Whereas domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking affects women, children, and men of all economic backgrounds causing long term physical, psychological, emotional and psychological harm.”

According to the proclamation, one in three Americans has witnessed an incident of domestic violence.

“Domestic Violence in rural communities often exists as a hidden, silent, and unrecognized crime, that is often under reported,” Moeller continued to read.

“Through the inspiration, courage and persistence of victims of domestic violence, their children, and advocates, our communities are learning to recognize the impact of violence in the home and in intimate relationships.”

“The Henry County Board of Supervisors do hereby proclaim the month of October 2022 to be Domestic Violence Awareness month to urge all citizens to work together to eliminate domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking from our community,” Moeller concluded.

“I just really appreciate your work,” Lindeen said addressing Lewis and DVIP.

Throughout the Month of October, DVIP will bring awareness to the program and problem through a few community engagement events.

Oct. 7, DVIP will go live on Facebook and share stories of DV survivors.

All stories have been run through software to ensure safety of the victims.

Oct. 20, the community is encouraged to wear the nationally recognized color for DV awareness, purple, to support victims and survivors.

Oct. 26, a Shop for Safety event will be held from 4-7 p.m. at Hy-Vee in Mt. Pleasant.

This event will collect goods for the victims and survivors served in the county.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com