Sioux Center, Iowa — Domestic violence impacts many women, men, and children in northwest Iowa every year. October has been designated “Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”
Domestic violence advocates with the agency that assists domestic violence victims in northwest Iowa — the Family Crisis Centers, based in Sioux Center — say that from July of 2015 to June of this year, they assisted 228 victims. Amber London with that agency says that the number of actual victims of domestic violence in their area may be much higher.
But London says it’s important that the community is aware that domestic violence is a problem, and that talking about domestic violence helps to erase stigma and shows survivors that they will be supported if they do come forward.
She says they provide many resources for survivors of domestic violence.
She says most contacts come via phone. Their Sioux Center number is 722-4404. She says they also have a crisis line at 1-800-382-5603. Plus, she says there is a statewide number that people can call when they need help, which is called Help Line Iowa. That number is 1-800-770-1650.
However, London says there is also a new text number. She says you can get help by texting “iowahelp” to 20121.
London says you can also find out more by visiting their web site at familycrisiscenters.org. She says the site also has a safe exit button in case you need it.
