Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A Community Call to Action

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to shedding light on a critical issue that affects our communities and millions nationwide. While it may not be an often discussed topic of conversation for many, domestic violence is a serious problem that requires our collective attention and effort. This month serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in ending the cycle of abuse.

Domestic violence isn’t just physical; it includes emotional, psychological, financial, and digital abuse. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. The statistics tell us that one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. In the most recent fiscal year, Someplace Safe served nearly 3,500 clients in our nine-county service area. Behind every statistic is a real person—a neighbor, a friend, a coworker, or a family member— many struggling in silence.

The ripple effects of domestic violence extend far beyond the individuals directly involved. It impacts children, schools, workplaces, and the overall well-being of our communities. That’s why community involvement is so crucial. When we come together, we create a network of support that can help survivors find safety, healing, and hope.

Local events throughout October are an opportunity to turn awareness into action. On Thursday, October 16th, we invite you to join us for the annual Day of Purple in unity with others across the country to support, pay tribute, and honor friends, family, and community members who have experienced domestic violence. Check out our events calendar for details and information about more events happening in a community near you!

While we look forward to seeing you in community this October, we also remember that Domestic Violence Awareness Month is more than just one-time event. It’s a call to action. By participating in local events and getting involved, we send a clear message that our community stands with survivors. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.

If you or someone you know are in need of advocacy services, contact Someplace Safe at 800-974-3359 or visit www.someplacesafe.info for more information.

 

A Safe Place on Campus: Crime Victim Services

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Starting college is a new and exciting chapter, but it can also be a time of vulnerability. Unfortunately, crimes, including sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and more can happen on college campuses. That’s why it’s so important for students to know about the crime victim services available to them.

What are Crime Victim Services on Campus?

Many colleges and universities have dedicated offices or staff who provide free and confidential support to students who have been victims of crime. These services are often separate from law enforcement, so students can seek help without the pressure of immediately filing a police report.

These services can include:

  • Emotional Support: Providing a safe space to talk, offering counseling referrals, and helping students process their trauma.
  • Safety Planning: Working with students to create a plan to ensure their immediate safety and well-being.
  • Academic and Housing Accommodations: Assisting with things like changing classes or dorm rooms to avoid contact with an offender.
  • Navigating the Justice System: Explaining the university’s disciplinary process and a victim’s rights within the criminal justice system.
  • Referrals: Connecting students with medical care, legal aid, and other community resources.

Why are they so important?

Having a dedicated resource on campus can make all the difference for a student victim. It removes barriers to seeking help and provides a trusted advocate who understands the unique challenges of the university environment. These services help ensure that students can continue their education and thrive, even after experiencing a traumatic event.

Someplace Safe advocates provide a variety of services and resources to local campuses across our service area, in addition to opportunities for training, education, and public awareness. Here are just a few:

Alexandria Technical & Community College:

Someplace Safe provides education to law enforcement students at ATCC on working victims after sexual assault, coordination of care with health professionals (including Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), and the advocacy response to this crime. The agency also educates law enforcement students on Someplace Safe service delivery, including client-led and trauma informed services.

Someplace Safe displays the agency’s Clothesline Project every October at the ATCC, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

M-State Fergus Falls:

M-State has confidential space on campus for students who need to access an advocate.

University of Minnesota Morris:

The University of Minnesota Morris has confidential space on campus for students who need to access an advocate. Staff also participate in the annual community Welcome Picnic at the UMM campus and the annual spring Bread and Bowls event.

NDSCS:

Someplace Safe staff participate in the annual opening week Community Block Party at the beginning of the academic year. NDSCS hosts an annual Domestic Violence Awareness Event and basketball game, where Someplace Safe staff are able to attend, connect with students and provide information to students, faculty and community members.

 

In addition to the above-mentioned campus activities, outreach and direct service offerings, Someplace Safe also has opportunities for volunteering and student internships. Students interested in volunteering or learning more about college internships can visit someplacesafe.info/get-involved/volunteer-intern/or email volunteers@someplacesafe.info

If you or a friend have been a victim of a crime on campus, remember that you are not alone and that help is available. Take a moment to learn about your school’s victim services and share this information with others, and reach out to Someplace Safe at 800-974-3359. By spreading awareness, we can all contribute to creating a safer and more supportive campus community.

What It Takes to Make a Difference: The Role of an Advocate

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Seeking advocacy services can be an overwhelming and often frightening experience for a victim of crime. Many victims feel isolated and alone, unsure of where to turn for help. They might be dealing with the emotional trauma of the crime, as well as navigating a complex legal system and struggling to find resources for safety and recovery. An advocate’s role is to be a steady guide and a source of support, providing a safe and confidential space for a victim to share their story and explore their options. The journey to healing often starts with this crucial first step of reaching out.

One of our advocates shared this firsthand account of the impact of these crucial services:

“A client came into my office with two small children this past year. The client was fleeing from a domestic abuse relationship involving her spouse. The spouse was not only harming her but also physically abusive to the children. I worked with this client to complete and submit an order for protection on behalf of herself and children. The client put much time and effort into obtaining the order for protection and was so relieved when it went in her favor.

The client and I continued to work closely with social services and law enforcement to assist her with ongoing safety concerns, custody issues, and the overall adjustment to life after abuse. The client on several occasions stated, “I can finally breathe now that my children and I are safe.”

At present, the client is doing well, she has her own apartment, and the children are thriving. She has relocated to a new community, feels safe and confident, and is surrounded by many wonderful supportive family and friends to help her navigate her new life. The client still checks in with me frequently and states how fortunate she was to have a place like Someplace Safe to help her through the darkest times of her life.”

If you or someone you know is in need of advocacy services, contact Someplace Safe 24/7 365 days a year at 800-974-3359. Help is available!

Someplace Safe Thrift Stores: Strengthening Communities Beyond Retail

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Someplace Safe is proud to support community safety not only through our crime victim advocacy services, but also through our network of Thrift Stores—vital community resources offering affordable clothing, home goods, and necessities. More than just retail spaces, these stores serve as powerful tools for healing, empowerment, and public safety.

  1. Funding Victim Support Services
    Revenue generated from our Thrift Stores directly supports Someplace Safe programs, helping survivors access the critical resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. When you shop, donate, or volunteer, you’re contributing to a safer, more supportive region for victims and survivors.
  2. Creating Employment Pathways
    Our stores offer employment opportunities for both survivors and community members, providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. These positions promote financial independence and self-confidence, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
  3. Building Community Connections
    Thrift Stores serve as welcoming spaces where staff, volunteers, supporters, and survivors connect. Whether through shopping, donating, or volunteering, community members come together to learn, support one another, and break down stigmas—strengthening social bonds and increasing access to help.
  4. Promoting Crime Prevention Through Awareness
    Someplace Safe Thrift Stores raise awareness by hosting events, sharing educational materials, and promoting safety resources. These efforts engage the public in conversations about prevention and advocacy, fostering a more informed and proactive community.

Over the past 15 years, Someplace Safe’s Thrift Stores have become key partners in advancing safety, healing, and resilience. Every purchase, donation, and volunteer hour helps create safer, more compassionate communities.

To learn more, visit www.someplacesafe.info, follow our Thrift Stores on social media, or stop by any of our locations in Alexandria, Fergus Falls, or Morris, Minnesota. We look forward to welcoming you!

Save Lives, Strengthen Communities by Joining on June 5th for #DayofAction

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On Thursday, June 5th, individuals and organizations across the country will join together for a National Day of Action to demand protection and investment in federal funding for domestic violence and sexual assault services and prevention. These critical services are a lifeline for victims, and right now they are at risk. 

  • Federal grants are essential to the infrastructure that supports over five million adult and child survivors annually—providing emergency shelter, legal advocacy, trauma counseling, and other lifesaving services.
  • Without federal funding, critical services will vanish—programs will be forced to lay off staff, reduce capacity, or shut down entirely, leaving survivors without support in their time of greatest need.
  • Delays are devastating. Even a few weeks of a funding delay equals reduced services, layoffs and eventually program closures. 
  • Investing in victim services is both lifesaving and cost-effective
    • Domestic violence costs the U.S. $12 billion annually in healthcare, legal proceedings, and lost productivity.
    • Rape costs survivors over $122,000 each. Across all victims, sexual violence costs the U.S. economy nearly $3.1 trillion.
    • Research found that in its first five years, the Violence Against Women Act—prevented $14.8 billion in victimization costs. 
    • Prevention is highly cost-effective, delivering $6–$12 in savings for every $1 invested.
  • Continuing to invest in a reliable, stable federal response to the crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic move toward a healthier, more prosperous future where fewer lives are impacted by violence and communities can not only become safer, but ultimately thrive. 
  • Research shows that when victims have access to the services they need, they are more likely to heal, work with law enforcement to pursue justice, and reclaim their lives. Federal funding plays a vital role in protecting survivors of these horrific crimes—offering them not just safety, but the opportunity to rebuild and thrive. When that happens, our nation sees lower long-term costs, better public health, and safer communities.
  • Rape crisis programs and domestic violence shelters, including culturally specific programs, form essential components of a comprehensive response to combatting violent crime in their communities. 
  • Policymakers support sexual assault and domestic violence Services. Over 100 bipartisan members of Congress sent a Dear Colleague letter to Attorney General Bondi asking for the restoration of OVW grant opportunities.
  • Over 600 local, state, and national victim services organizations sent a letter to Attorney General Bondi expressing concern about DOJ funding

Federal funding is essential to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and the programs that support them. These resources provide critical services that ensure safety, stability, and recovery for victims and their children. Any change or reduction to this funding would jeopardize these vital services, leaving survivors without the life-saving support they need to escape violence, recover, and heal.

We need your help to urge Congress to protect and invest in our funding!

For more information on how cuts to funding will directly impact Someplace Safe, contact our Executive Director, Sheila Korby, at 218-739-3486 or sheila.k@someplacesafe.info. To learn more about ways to support the work of Someplace Safe in our communities, visit our website.

 

Supporting Survivors Behind Bars: The Vital Role of PREA Advocacy

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Each year, an estimated 200,000 people are sexually abused while incarcerated in the United States. These survivors often face overwhelming isolation, limited support, and a constant fear of retaliation if they speak out. Many enter the system already carrying the weight of past trauma, making the path to healing even more difficult.

 

In response to this crisis, the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) was enacted in 2003. This landmark legislation established national standards to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse across all detention settings—from local jails to federal prisons. While creating these standards is a critical step, equally important is ensuring that survivors behind bars have access to meaningful, compassionate support.

 

At Someplace Safe, we’re proud to be part of that effort. Our team includes three specially trained PREA advocates who work directly with incarcerated survivors of sexual violence. These advocates provide a vital connection to hope and healing, offering confidential, trauma-informed support that honors each survivor’s dignity and autonomy.

 

Trained through the Minnesota Department of Corrections, our advocates understand the unique challenges of abuse within correctional environments. Minnesota’s Department of Corrections collaborates with community organizations like Someplace Safe to ensure survivors have access to advocacy services inside facilities. By law, prisons and jails must make these services private and accessible, and partner with local support agencies to meet survivors’ needs.

 

PREA’s mission is simple but powerful: to protect individuals in custody from sexual harm and ensure real accountability for institutions. It mandates multiple reporting avenues, access to medical and mental health care, and safeguards against retaliation. However, the reality of supporting survivors in prison is filled with obstacles.

 

Privacy is scarce. Survivors are often limited to 15-minute phone calls made from communal areas, where confidentiality is nearly impossible. Private rooms for advocacy meetings are rare. Restrictions on possessions—like the 15-book limit—mean resources such as healing guides or journals must be carefully curated. In overcrowded facilities, moving someone away from their abuser may not be feasible, leaving solitary confinement as the only temporary “safety” measure—an option that can exacerbate trauma rather than ease it.

Despite these barriers, our advocates persist. They connect with survivors however they can—through phone and video calls, letters, in-person visits, and support groups. They accompany survivors during medical exams and interviews, help navigate the reporting process, and provide guidance through complex institutional systems. Most importantly, they offer emotional support, safety planning, and connections to legal and medical resources—with unwavering compassion and without judgment.

 

At Someplace Safe, we’re committed to ongoing training for our advocates and strengthening our partnerships with correctional staff. Together, we strive to transform how incarcerated survivors are treated and supported. Our PREA advocacy is one part of our broader mission: to stand with all survivors of violence—wherever they are, and whatever they’ve endured.

 

At the heart of this work is a simple promise: We show up. We listen. We believe.

 

Crime Victims’ Rights and You: Why They Matter

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The crime victims’ movement in Minnesota dates to the early 1970s, when the first rape crisis center and domestic violence shelter opened their doors. The 1970s also saw the establishment of the state’s victim compensation program and the beginning of a wave of victim/witness programs operating out of county attorneys’ offices.

The Minnesota Crime Victim Bill of Rights (Chapter 611A), enacted in 1983, is the state’s foremost crime victim rights statute. It laid the foundation for fundamental crime victim rights, including notification and participation in the criminal justice process. Since then, many additional laws have been enacted, strengthening crime victim rights and services to ensure that the needs of victims are being met and that their voices are heard in criminal prosecution process.

Crime victims’ rights are a set of legal protections designed to ensure that individuals who have been harmed by crime are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity throughout the criminal justice process. These rights vary by jurisdiction, but they generally aim to:
  • Provide Information:
    • Victims have the right to be informed about the progress of their case, including court proceedings, plea agreements, and the offender’s release.
    • They should also receive information about available support services, such as counseling, victim compensation, and legal assistance.
  • Ensure Participation:
    • Victims have the right to participate in certain stages of the criminal justice process, such as providing victim impact statements at sentencing hearings.
    • They may also have the right to be present at court proceedings.
  • Offer Protection:
    • Victims have the right to be protected from intimidation, harassment, and retaliation by the offender.
    • This may include obtaining restraining orders or other protective measures.
  • Seek Restitution:
    • Victims may have the right to seek restitution from the offender for financial losses resulting from the crime.
  • Fair and Respectful Treatment:
    • Victims have the right to be treated with fairness and respect for their dignity and privacy.

What These Rights Mean for You:

  • If you are a victim of a crime, these rights are intended to empower you and ensure that your voice is heard within the criminal justice system.
  • They provide you with access to information and support that can help you cope with the emotional, financial, and practical consequences of the crime.
  • These rights are meant to minimize the re-traumatization that can occur when dealing with the criminal justice system.

Important Considerations:

  • The specific rights afforded to crime victims can vary significantly depending on federal, state, and local laws.
  • It’s crucial to understand the rights that apply in your jurisdiction.
  • Victim advocacy organizations and legal professionals can provide valuable assistance in navigating the criminal justice system and asserting your rights.

Where to Find More Information:

  • Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): This federal agency provides resources and information on crime victims’ rights.
  • Minnesota Office of Justice Programs (OJP): This office provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and assist crime victims in the state of Minnesota.
  • State and local victim advocacy organizations: Organizations like Someplace Safe provide direct support and assistance to crime victims.
  • Local Law enforcement and court systems: These entities can provide information on local victim right policies.

By understanding your rights, you can take an active role in the criminal justice process and seek the support you need. For more information, contact a Someplace Safe advocacy office near you, or call 800-974-3359.

The Future of Crime Victim Services: Why Funding Matters

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With looming state and federal funding cuts threatening the safety net for victims and survivors of crime, some are asking: How is Someplace Safe funded? The answer is complex, reflecting a diverse mix of financial sources that keep these crucial programs running.

Funding Breakdown:

Someplace Safe relies on a variety of funding streams, including:

  • 40% Crime Victim Services Grants (State and Federal Funding)
  • 6% from the Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Project (set to end in December 2025)
  • 7% from Crime Victims Intervention & Prevention Grants for at-risk youth survivors
  • 8% from Safe Harbors, supporting regional navigation, youth sex trafficking advocacy, and labor trafficking advocacy
  • 22% from revenue generated by the organization’s thrift stores
  • 17% from all other sources, including donations, fundraisers, local grants, United Way, Parenting Time fees, training and education programs, and assault fines

These funding sources support Someplace Safe’s client-centered programs, which are essential in providing support to survivors. Notably, 40% of the budget comes from Crime Victim Services, funding 11 community advocacy offices, 5 Parenting Time Centers, funding a total of 25 staff. However, a significant portion of this funding is at risk due to federal cuts.

The Federal Funding Crisis

Federal funding for Crime Victim Services primarily comes from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which relies on fines collected from individuals and businesses convicted of federal crimes. Over the past eight years, declining prosecutions and reduced fines have caused a significant drop in available funds. In Minnesota, this decline led to a 40% cut in funding for all programs. While the state legislature stepped in to backfill this gap during the last biennium, that temporary solution expires in 2025.

Taking Action for Survivors

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, a group of 30 volunteers, community members, and Someplace Safe staff boarded a bus to St. Paul on February 10, 2025, to participate in Action Day to Prevent Violence. They met with local legislators, advocating for continued or increased funding to support crime victim services. The message was clear: survivors must have access to these vital resources, which are an integral part of Minnesota’s public safety framework.

What’s Next?

As the expiration of funding approaches, community action is more critical than ever. Advocates and supporters may contact state and local legislators to ask for sustainable solutions to ensure Someplace Safe can provide lifesaving services to those in need. Whether through legislative advocacy, donations, or community engagement, every effort counts in securing a safer future for survivors of crime!

For more information on Someplace Safe’s funding and what you can do to help support, contact Sheila Korby, Executive Director, at sheila.k@someplacesafe.info or 218-739-3486.

Watch for Signs During Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

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Each February, young adults and their loved ones nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.

Dating violence is more common than you may think, especially among teens and young adults: 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults. And nearly half (43%) of U.S. college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors.

It’s important to seek help if you see signs that a relationship is unhealthy or becoming abusive. Teens can pay attention to these warning signs:

  • Emotional Abuse:

    • Constant criticism or insults: Being called names, put down, or constantly criticized.
    • Extreme jealousy or possessiveness: Wanting to know your every move, controlling who you see or talk to.
    • Isolation: Being pressured to spend all your time with them and cut off contact with friends and family.
    • Threats and intimidation: Being threatened with harm, either physical or emotional.
    • Controlling behavior: Making decisions for you, telling you what to wear or how to act.

  • Physical Abuse:

    • Hitting, slapping, kicking, or shoving.
    • Any form of unwanted physical contact.

  • Sexual Abuse:

    • Unwanted sexual touching or pressure to have sex.
    • Sharing sexually explicit photos without consent.
    • Coercion or pressure to engage in sexual activity.

  • Technological Abuse:

    • Constant texting or calling.
    • Monitoring social media activity.
    • Demanding passwords to phones or social media accounts.
    • Posting embarrassing or private photos or videos online without consent.

  • Other Signs:

    • Unexplained injuries.
    • Sudden changes in behavior, mood, or appearance.
    • Withdrawal from friends and family.
    • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities.
    • Low self-esteem.
    • Fear or anxiety around their partner.

Important Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing dating violence, please reach out for help. You are not alone.

  • Someplace Safe | call 800-974-3359 or text 844-980-0169 or chat online at www.someplacesafe.info
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Love is Respect: https://www.loveisrespect.org/

A Multifaceted Approach to Addressing Exploitation and Trafficking of Youth

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The exploitation and trafficking of youth is a crime that requires a multifaceted approach to address effectively. In response, Someplace Safe greatly enhanced its trafficking programming over the last year. Three new staff members were added to serve trafficking victims and survivors: Lupita Trickle, Aspen Myer, and Madison Hays. Lupita works with survivors of labor trafficking and exploitation of all ages. Aspen and Madison work with youth who are sexually exploited, sex trafficked, or at risk.

We encourage you to take a look at some key strategies that can help to address risks of exploitation and trafficking of youth in our communities:

  1. Prevention:
  • Education and Awareness: Educate the public, especially youth, about the signs of trafficking and exploitation. This includes recognizing grooming behaviors, understanding the risks associated with online interactions, and knowing how to seek help. All four regional youth advocates at Someplace Safe are certified to offer Safe Dates, a healthy relationships curriculum through Hazelden for youth ages 12 to 18. Five staff are certified to offer Not a Number, a human trafficking prevention curriculum to youth ages 12 to 18.
  • Strengthening Protective Factors: Addressing underlying factors that make youth vulnerable, such as poverty, homelessness, lack of access to education, and family instability is crucial. Providing support systems like after-school programs, mental health services, and safe housing options can also help.
  • Promoting Healthy Relationships: Teach children and adolescents about healthy relationships, consent, and boundaries.
  1. Intervention and Response:
  • Hotlines and Reporting Mechanisms: Promote accessible hotlines and reporting mechanisms for victims and concerned citizens to report suspected cases of trafficking. Someplace Safe advocates are available 24/7 at 800-974-3359.
  • Multidisciplinary Task Forces: Create collaborative teams involving law enforcement, social services, healthcare providers, and victim advocates to coordinate investigations, provide support to victims, and prosecute traffickers.
  • Trauma-Informed Care: Ensure that all interactions with victims, from law enforcement to service providers, are trauma-informed and prioritize their safety and well-being.
  1. Support for Survivors:
  • Safe Shelters and Transitional Housing: Safe and supportive shelters and transitional housing help survivors to recover and rebuild their lives.
  • Comprehensive Services: Offering a range of services, including medical care, mental health counseling, legal assistance, and job training, helps survivors to heal and reintegrate into society.
  • Empowerment and Advocacy: Empowering survivors to advocate for themselves and their rights, and support organizations that work to combat trafficking and exploitation is key to supporting survivors in their healing.
  1. Addressing Root Causes:
  • Combating Poverty and Inequality: Address systemic issues like poverty, inequality, and discrimination, which can increase vulnerability to trafficking.
  • Holding Traffickers Accountable: Utilize opportunities to share information and opportunities geared at strengthening laws and enforcement efforts to hold traffickers accountable for their crimes.

It’s important to remember that combating human trafficking and exploitation of youth requires a sustained and collaborative effort from governments, non-profit organizations, communities, and individuals. Someplace Safe is committed to this important work!

Watch for several learning opportunities in 2025 on the topic of human trafficking in Minnesota. We are kicking it off with a panel discussion on January 8 featuring service providers from across the state discussing human trafficking, including strategies for prevention, and intervention. Registration is free. More info can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/human-trafficking-awareness-month-panel-discussion-tickets-1116858266139?aff=oddtdtcreator

We will also be hosting a webinar on January 16 titled Trafficking of Minors: Mitigating Risk Factors & Enhancing Resilience. More information can be found on the Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trafficking-of-minors-mitigating-risk-factors-enhancing-resilience-tickets-1119969321389?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=1

For more information on upcoming events, training, or services available for victims and survivors of trafficking and exploitation, reach out directly to Anne Lafrienier-Ritchie, Regional Navigator, at anne.lr@someplacesafe.info.