A private nonprofit agency that works with survivors of domestic violence will take over responses to sexual assault cases in three northwest Iowa counties, starting tomorrow.
The Iowa Attorney General’s office recently provided funding to SafePlace to take over jurisdiction in Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury counties.
Gina Sypersma is a spokeswoman for SafePlace Siouxland.
“While this funding is new, serving sexual assault survivors is not new to SafePlace,” Sypersma says. “Many people in our community may remember us as the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, and for decades our organization has supported survivors of both sexual assault and domestic violence.”
While SafePlace has been focused on domestic violence in recent years, Sypersma says the goal is to make the shift seamless.
“We recognize that a change in service providers can create questions and uncertainty, especially for survivors, and that’s our main focus. Our responsibility now is to make sure the transition is as smooth and survivor-centered as possible. Survivors will have access to crisis response, advocacy during medical care and interactions with law enforcement, court support, ongoing advocacy, and connections to resources.”
She says building relationships with the survivors who are seeking help is an important part of the advocacy process.
“We want to make sure that the survivors know that the services are here,” Sypersma says. “They should not have to worry about funding decisions or which organization holds a contract when they need help. They deserve to be believed, to understand their options, and to have their choices respected. That is where Safe Place is putting our energy.”
Sypersma says the primary focus is to ensure survivors have compassionate, confidential support when they need it. SafePlace also has a 24-seven Crisis Line: 800-982-7233.
(By Cael Sleezer, KLEM, Le Mars)