Classification: Associations: Management

(Sponsor Jeff Disterhoft)

 

Fellow Rotarian Mike McKay introduced Kristie Fortmann-Doser for today’s program on DVIP.

 

The mission of DVIP is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy services to victim/survivors, focusing on immediate long-term safety, empowerment, dignity, and hope. In collaboration with the community and 4,000 annual volunteer hours, DVIP strives to end domestic abuse through education, accountability, and social justice. In one year, they answer approximately 18,000 crisis phone calls and provide more than 8,000 nights of safe shelter.

 

In 2013, Iowa went through a significant transition in funding for services for victims of violent crime. With the support of the Iowa Legislature and state level victims services coalitions, six regions were developed in Iowa and funding was shifted to focus equally on sexual assault services, domestic abuse comprehensive services and emergency sheltering, DVIP was awarded funds and their service area expanded from four to eight counties. Currently, DVIP serves Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Van Buren & Washington counties with a staff of 35.  

 

The question posed to our members was “what would you need to do to keep yourself safe from that one person who knows everything about you?” A person who has access to your home, your kids, your income, your place of employment, mistakes you have made, information about you and your resources, and continually berates you with emotional and/or physical abuse. These are the barriers that victims encounter on a daily basis. The staff consider themselves “problem solvers” as they attempt to help battered individuals feel safe and secure thru a variety of services.

 

For more information and a donation wish list, please visit: http://www.dvipiowa.org/ or call 1-800-373-1043.