Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

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Discover the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV): committed to ending domestic violence in Iowa through education, advocacy, and support services. Together, we can create a safer, more equitable community. Learn more and get involved at www.ICADV.org ✨💜

📣 STATEMENT IN RESPONSE: Iowa Supreme Court's Upholding of Abortion Ban Endangers Women's Health and Autonomy 📣

It is a dark and devastating day in Iowa as the state's Supreme Court announced that Iowa’s abortion ban law enacted in 2023 can soon take effect while the lawsuit challenging the abortion ban proceeds. A temporary injunction blocking the law from taking effect has meant access to abortion up to 20 weeks of pregnancy has remained available in Iowa.

However, the Iowa Supreme Court decision today sends the case back to the District Court with instructions to lift the injunction. This process usually takes at least 21 days, so although abortion remains legal in Iowa during that time, the decision today means that abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy – before most individuals even know they are pregnant – will soon be illegal in Iowa.

Today's decision will not stop women from seeking abortions. However, it will negatively impact the safety of health services women receive and increase the danger for victims of violence by creating impossible barriers to accessing medical care.

The so-called exceptions to Iowa’s abortion ban for r**e, in**st, and medical emergencies are effectively meaningless- leaving pregnant people, including victims of r**e and in**st with no access to abortion care no matter how critical it may be to their safety, mental, or physical health, and future ability to have children or care for other children.

The consequences of the Iowa Supreme Court’s decision will result in revictimization, further trauma, and harm to victims of child abuse, r**e, and domestic violence.

Reproductive health services are essential to primary medical care for all women. Victims of domestic and sexual violence have an acute need for timely access to comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion. Imposing laws that create medically unnecessary barriers to accessing abortion threatens women's freedom and health and places victims of violence in greater danger.

Safety is not the antidote to violence. Self-determination is. Women should be able to control their bodies and safely and freely decide whether to become or stay pregnant. We believe in a future free from violence where we all have the freedom to determine our medical care needs, safely care for loved ones, and access the services that make that possible.

Today's state Supreme Court decision is detrimental to abortion rights and bodily autonomy, setting women's civil rights back 50 years.

Read our full statement at https://shorturl.at/Edo4i

📢 We Moved! 📢

We have downsized our office space and moved to a new location.

📍 Our office space is now located at 8980 Hickman Road, 100, Clive, IA 50325
📍 Our mailing address is PO Box 41700, Des Moines, Iowa 50311.

As many of you know, northwest Iowa was hit by devastating floods last weekend, affecting countless families, communities, and organizations, including our friends and colleagues at Family Crisis Centers, Safe Place Siouxland, and Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA).

If you are inclined to help or show your support, visit www.iowa.gov/resources-0/donations for a detailed breakdown of physical and monetary donations needed by the county/community.

Donations Donation information for the Iowa disasters.

📣 STATEMENT IN RESPONSE 📣

In a landmark 8-1 decision on Friday, June 21, 2024, the United States Supreme Court upheld a significant gun control law by ruling in favor of restricting access to fi****ms for domestic violence abusers in the case of U.S. vs. Rahimi. This case challenged the constitutionality of a federal law [18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8)] prohibiting individuals subject to qualifying domestic abuse civil protection orders from possessing fi****ms.

This common-sense ruling is a critical acknowledgment that abuse survivors need multiple and timely options for safety and marks a decades-old recognition of the increased risk of harm when guns are involved.

Staggering statistics confirm that domestic abusers with guns create an extraordinary public safety threat to victims, families, law enforcement, and communities. One in two women in the United States experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Although the number of women and children threatened and terrorized by guns dramatically exceeds the number of domestic abuse homicides, the presence of guns makes it five times more likely a female partner will be murdered.

Civil protection orders cannot guarantee safety for victims – no law can. However, civil protection orders restricting violent partners from having guns can save lives by offering a timely option for legal protection from urgent threats to safety. The Court recognized what victim service providers know about the important role civil protection orders can play as part of a larger safety plan.

While this ruling provides widespread relief, it also underscores persistent challenges faced by crime victims seeking support. Iowa victim service providers will continue to advocate tirelessly for policies that prioritize survivor safety and for increased funding for crime victim services to ensure statewide access to support.

The United States Supreme Court’s decision provides clarity in confirming that the U.S. Constitution does not render elected officials powerless to protect people from violence and should not be used to undermine policies protecting the best interest of public safety or the rights of abusers over survivor safety.

Read our full statement at: https://tinyurl.com/4nt2ccrp.



Family Crisis Centers Safe Place Siouxland Assault Care Center Extending Shelter & Support (ACCESS) Crisis Intervention Services - CIS Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center Helping Services for Youth & Families Friends of the Family Waypoint Services Thrive Together Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity EMBARC: Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center Amani Community Services- Waterloo L.U.N.A (Latinas Unidas Por Un Nuevo Amanecer) RISE - Iowa Nisaa African Family Services Crisis Intervention & Advocacy Center Catholic Charities, Des Moines Diocese, Children & Families of Iowa Family Crisis Center Crisis Intervention Service Domestic Violence Intervention Program Family Resources Iowa Victim Service Call Center

Our Director of Housing and Economic Justice, Zeb, traveled to Davenport this week to lead a Financial Literacy Train-the-Trainer course for sexual assault and domestic violence advocates at Family Resources.

Family Resources is a powerhouse in eastern Iowa, providing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and shelter services to five counties: Clinton, Jackson, Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott. Their mission is to support successful lives and build strong communities.

To support their work, follow them on and visit www.famres.org.



📸: Sexual assault and domestic violence advocates from Family Resources and our director of Housing & Economic Justice, Zeb (back row, center).

Thank you for who you are and everything you do. 💙



📸 - Everyday Health

Our Executive Director, Dr. Maria Corona, wrapped up her trip to D.C. for by attending the Executive Directors of Color Meeting hosted by The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV). This event highlighted the leadership and voices of BIPOC coalition directors dedicated to ending gender-based violence.

A big thank you to NNEDV for bringing this inspiring group of changemakers and leaders together!

: Family Planning Council of Iowa

The Supreme Court of the United States ( ) ruled the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue, and upheld access to mifepristone this morning. The FDA approved the medication more than 20 years ago; more than 100 scientific studies spanning continents and decades have shown a regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol is safe and effective for patients who want to end a pregnancy in the first trimester.

For more information on your rights, visit https://reproductiverights.gov/

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruled the plaintiffs did not have standing to sue, and upheld access to mifepristone this morning. The FDA approved the medication more than 20 years ago; more than 100 scientific studies spanning continents and decades have shown a regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol is safe and effective for patients who want to end a pregnancy in the first trimester.

For more information on your rights, visit https://reproductiverights.gov/

For more information on abortion care and support, visit https://www.abortionfinder.org/

Our Executive Director, Dr. Maria Corona, is in Washington, D.C., this week for , meeting with our federal delegation to discuss the need for policies and investments that support victims of intimate partner violence. 💜

She has also had the opportunity to join colleagues from across the country and attend a Congressional Reception hosted by The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

Pictured at the reception (left to right): Jawandalyn Brooks, Executive Director of the ACADV; Karimah Dillard, Director of Policy with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Dr. Wendy Mahoney, interim Executive Director with NNEDV; Dr. Corona; and Hema Sarang-Sieminski, Deputy Director with Jane Doe Inc.

🚨 FREE DESKS ALERT! 🚨

We have 2 executive-style desks available that we would love to give away to anyone who could use them.

✅Executive-style desk: Approx. 6 ft. W x 5.5 ft L.
✅Executive administrators desk: Approx. 5.5 ft W x 4.5 ft L x 3.5 ft D.

Full details are in the pics below. Both desks are in very good condition and have a lot of life left in them.

DM us or email [email protected] for more info. or to reserve. First come, first serve.

Both desks need to be removed from our office ASAP and no later than Wednesday, June 12.

**** PENDING ITEMS UPDATE ****

🎉 We’re on the move! Our office is relocating to a new space this summer, and we have some items in our office we won't be taking and would love to give them to anyone who can use them FREE of charge! 💥

1- L-Shaped Executive Desk (Large and Heavy) - PENDING
1 - Executive Desk (Large and Heavy) - PENDING
1 - Floating shelf/cabinet - PENDING
1 - Executive Desk. Cherry finish. Approx. 5.5' wide. 8 drawers. - PENDING

Click on the images below to view more details.

If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please feel free to DM us or comment below for details on what’s available and how to pick it up. It's first come, first serve, and items must be picked up by Thursday, June 14.

🌈 is here! 🌈

It's a time to celebrate the vibrant diversity and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️‍🌈✨

You can do your part and support LGBTQ+ individuals by getting involved with events and activities in your community - check out the detailed list from ACLU of Iowa below - and supporting organizations like One Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, and Common Love DSM.

Pledging a donation, volunteering your time, or advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals can help provide essential services and enact initiatives and policies that ensure everyone can live a life free to be who they want to be and thrive. 💖🌟

Pride is almost here! 🏳️‍🌈

We made this handy guide for events in Iowa communities. Are we missing any?

"Housing leaders saw a 37% increase in the number of people fleeing domestic violence and homelessness from last year's reported total of 65, which was then considered the highest number in the past six years."

The Des Moines Register

Homelessness in Polk County hits a record high, new count shows. What's driving the rise: A count of people experiencing homelessness in Polk County, conducted in a 24-hour period in January, sets a record high. What's driving the increase:

To all those who nurture, support, and inspire us, thank you. Happy Mother's Day. 💐

Our Director of Community Engagement is currently in D.C. for the 2024 Operationalizing the U.S. National Plan to End Gender-based Violence meeting.

Thank you Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community, SCESA, and The National Network to End Domestic Violence for organizing this meeting and bringing our colleagues and partners from across the country together to work toward our collective goal of a future where everyone is safe and can thrive

Empower survivors. Navigate justice. Support the cause. 🌟 Join our mission as we launch the Victim Legal Defense Fund, providing crucial support and representation to domestic violence survivors and our member programs. Together, we’re ensuring access to justice and breaking barriers.

Link to donate: https://www.pledge.to/victim-legal-defense-fund

🚨 URGENT ACTION ALERT! WE ARE DOWN TO THE FINAL HOURS!🚨

The Iowa Legislature could adjourn for this session in the next 24-72 hours and we need ALL of you to contact your legislators and implore them to invest $10 million to support Iowa Crime Victims TODAY!

It only takes a few minutes, and we have all the resources you need to support your advocacy efforts at www.icadv.org/policypriorities. And please, share this post and urge your friends, family, and community members to do the same!

Every voice matters now more than ever and Iowa crime victims cannot wait one more day for the support of the legislature!

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault, along with their network of 26 statewide victim service provider agencies, express cautious optimism regarding recent legislative progress while highlighting critical concerns about the capacity to aid crime victims without additional state funding.

Yesterday, the Iowa House Appropriations Committee approved a draft budget bill allocating $5.5 million for victim services, marking a $500,000 increase from the previous year. While acknowledging this is the first state funding increase for victim services in a decade, this amount falls significantly short of the $10 million requested by victim service providers to meet the escalating demand for services.

Victim service provider agencies offer essential support services to victims of domestic violence, r**e, human trafficking, child abuse, and other violent crimes. Their services range from crisis intervention to post-crisis support, including counseling, safety planning, legal system navigation, job applications, securing housing, and regaining financial stability. In the past year, these agencies served most of the 54,404 crime victims seeking assistance from agencies funded by the Iowa Attorney General's office.

"We believe in Iowa's commitment to supporting crime victims," says Dr. Maria Corona, executive director of ICADV. "However, the persistent underfunding of victim services is a policy choice. Investing $10 million in state funds to aid Iowa crime victims is a modest ask compared to the state's overall budget. We implore the legislature to act swiftly and decisively to support victims in need across Iowa.”

Read the full release at www.icadv.org/pressreleases.

And please, continue to contact your Iowa Legislators and urge them to invest a minimum of $10 million in state funds to support Iowa crime victims. Visit www.icadv.org/policypriorities for resources in your advocacy efforts.

🚨 ACTION ALERT! PLEASE CONTACT YOUR IOWA HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES TODAY! 🚨

Last week, we asked you to contact your Iowa Senators and today we need you contact your Iowa House Representatives! TODAY at 12 p.m., the Iowa House Justice System subcommittee is considering their budget bill that includes funding for Iowa crime victims.

🚨 TAKE ACTION 🚨
Contact your Iowa House Representatives ASAP and urge them to invest a minimum of $10 million in state funds to support Iowa crime victims.

Share this post and visit www.icadv.org/policypriorities for resources in your advocacy efforts, including links to your legislator, talking points, and a detailed overview of our policy goals.

Every voice matters now more than ever!

🌟 Join Our Team! 🌟

We are hiring a Legal Director to spearhead impactful initiatives, support domestic violence victim service provider agencies, provide legal representation and consultation in family law and immigration matters, and contribute to key policy initiatives.

Starting Salary: $75,000-$85,000.

Scan the QR code below or visit www.icadv.org/career-opportunities to apply today!

🚨 URGENT ACTION NEEDED! PLEASE CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR ASAP! 🚨

TODAY at 2:30 p.m., the Senate Justice System subcommittee is considering SSB 3200, the bill that includes funding for Iowa crime victims.

🚨 TAKE ACTION 🚨
Contact your Senators ASAP and urge them to invest a minimum of $10 million in state funds to support Iowa crime victims.

Share this post and visit www.icadv.org/policypriorities for resources in your advocacy efforts, including links to your legislator, talking points, and a detailed overview of our policy goals.

Every voice matters now more than ever!

“Victim services programs (provider agencies) support all avenues of addressing domestic violence. We’re seeing an increase in demand for services, and the needs are more complex. We need the state to fund us efficiently and think of prevention efforts that can support crime victims beyond the legal system.”

Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/4j9vnayt and visit www.icadv.org/policypriorities to find your legislator, talking points, email and phone scripts, encouraging them to support Iowa crime victims.

Des Moines Business Record

Funding cuts could adversely affect services for sexual and domestic violence survivors - Fearless BY MACEY SHOFROTH, FEARLESS CONTRIBUTOR Editor’s note: “Victim” and “survivor” are both common terms used for someone who has experienced sexual assault or domestic violence, and they will be used in this article interchangeably. We recognize Read more…

REPOST: L.U.N.A (Latinas Unidas Por Un Nuevo Amanecer)

Conexión Sobre Control: Repensar la Paternidad: sábado 6 de abril de 2024
**Este taller abordará la crianza de los hijos desde una perspectiva de conexión más que de control; ofreciendo estrategias de crianza basadas en el respeto, en lugar del miedo. (un gran recurso para familias que trabajan por una paternidad no violenta)
Los talleres son presentados por Alicia Krpan, psicoter**euta especializada en apego y trauma.
*Tenga en cuenta que estos talleres son completamente en español, tanto en palabras como en materiales; No se ofrecerá interpretación.
No hay ningún costo para asistir.
Todos los talleres comenzarán a las 12:00pm y finalizarán a las 2:30 pm. Proporcionaremos comida, cuidado de niños y recursos comunitarios.
**Los detalles de la ubicación se proporcionarán al momento de la inscripción;

Connection Over Control: Rethink Fatherhood: Saturday April 6, 2024
**This workshop will address parenting from a perspective of connection rather than control; offering parenting strategies based on respect, rather than fear. (A great resource for families working towards nonviolent parenting)
The workshops are presented by Alicia Krpan, psychotherapist specializing in attachment and trauma.
*Please note that these workshops are completely in Spanish, both in words and materials; no interpretation will be offered.
No cost to attend.
All workshops will start at 12:00pm and finish at 2:30pm.. We will provide food, child care, and community resources.
**Location details will be provided at the time of registration;

Conexión Sobre Control: Repensar la Paternidad: sábado 6 de abril de 2024
**Este taller abordará la crianza de los hijos desde una perspectiva de conexión más que de control; ofreciendo estrategias de crianza basadas en el respeto, en lugar del miedo. (un gran recurso para familias que trabajan por una paternidad no violenta)
Los talleres son presentados por Alicia Krpan, psicoter**euta especializada en apego y trauma.
*Tenga en cuenta que estos talleres son completamente en español, tanto en palabras como en materiales; No se ofrecerá interpretación.
No hay ningún costo para asistir.
Todos los talleres comenzarán a las 12:00pm y finalizarán a las 2:30 pm. Proporcionaremos comida, cuidado de niños y recursos comunitarios.
**Los detalles de la ubicación se proporcionarán al momento de la inscripción;

📢 ACTION ALERT! Support Iowa Crime Victims! 📢

Victim service providers are facing unprecedented challenges due to years of funding cuts. NOW is the time to act!

🚨TAKE ACTION🚨
Contact your legislators TODAY and urge them to invest a minimum of $10 million in state funds to support victims of violent crimes. Every voice matters!

📣 HOW TO HELP: 📣
Share this post and visit www.icadv.org/policypriorities for resources in your advocacy efforts including links to find your legislator, talking points, email and phone scripts, a social media toolkit, and a detailed overview of our policy goals.

Your advocacy matters! Together, we can create the conditions for crime victims to heal, find safety, and to thrive.

🌟 Did you hear? We're Hiring a Legal Director! 🌟

If you're a legal professional with a heart for advocacy and a desire to lead impactful initiatives, this is your chance to make a significant difference!

🔹 Position: Legal Director
🔹Starting Salary: $75,000-$85,000
🔹 Job Overview: Full-Time, Hybrid, Iowa

Scan the QR code below or visit www.icadv.org/career-opportunities to view the job description.

To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and three references to [email protected].

🌟 Congratulations to our Health Equity coordinator, Nataly Espinoza, and Program Engagement coordinator, Tanya Juarez, who have both been selected for the Class of 2024 Leadership Program through the Latina Leadership Initiative of Greater Des Moines. 🌟

The Leadership Program - a five-month course - helps build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support Latina leaders in their personal and professional advancement.

🌟 You know what day it is - ! 🌟

Family Crisis Center promotes a culture of non-violence and social justice through the empowerment of all those impacted by domestic violence.

The agency helps victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in 12 Iowa counties - Appanoose, Davis, Jasper, Jefferson, Keokuk, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Poweshiek, Wapello, and Wayne.

To learn more about Family Crisis Center, visit www.familycrisiscenteriowa.org.

We proudly support a diverse network of 22 local victim service programs covering all 99 Iowa counties. To connect with the program in your community, visit www.icadv.org/survivorsupport.