For immediate release – Domestic violence affects millions of individuals, families, and children - of every race, religion, culture and status every year. It’s not just punches and black eyes -- it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use of the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Southwest Crisis Center, the local nonprofit service provider for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, will be hanging purple ribbons as a symbol of support to anyone experiencing violence that there is someone who cares and someone who can help. In the last year alone, the SWCC served more than 720 individuals and families. In rural Minnesota, services for crime victims are scarce and it’s important that as a community, we continue to support those in need.
As a nonprofit organization, the Southwest Crisis Center relies on funding not only from state and federal sources, but also from foundations, businesses, individuals, and other local groups.
Crime victim service providers across the state of Minnesota are facing federal funding cuts at a time when state funding is still inadequate. The Southwest Crisis Center recently received a 20% reduction in 2023 funding for services in our community. The communities in Southwest Minnesota stand to lose access to lifesaving and lifesustaining support to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and other victim services, which include a 24hour crisis line, assistance with filing protective orders, transportation, forensic interviews, safety planning, emergency hotel stays, financial assistance, support groups, personal and legal advocacy, and crisis intervention. Without access to these critical services, the realtime impact will not only be felt by individuals and families, but also in communities across our region.
Victim service providers across the country have worked diligently to secure state, local, and/or private funding to protect against potential decreases, but many programs simply cannot absorb cuts of this magnitude and the ripple effect they will have on communities. During this month the Southwest Crisis Center invites individuals, businesses, churches, community organizations, schools, and city/county services in Cottonwood, Jackson, Nobles, Murray, Pipestone and Rock counties to partner with us in advocating for increased funding to provide needed services to help individuals and children impacted by domestic violence. We are available to share more information about our program and need for services through speaking engagements, trainings, and other educational programming by contacting us. To make a donation, visit our website at www.mnswcc. org. For additional information about the month, make sure to follow us on social media.
