(KIWA Staff Photo)Northwest Iowa (RI) — A private nonprofit agency that works with survivors of domestic violence will begin handling responses to sexual assault cases in Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury counties starting Thursday.
The Iowa Attorney General’s office recently provided funding to SafePlace Siouxland to assume responsibility for sexual assault services in the three counties. Gina Sypersma, a spokeswoman for SafePlace Siouxland, says the organization has a long history of serving survivors of both sexual assault and domestic violence.
While SafePlace has focused primarily on domestic violence services in recent years, Sypersma says the organization is working to ensure a smooth transition for survivors seeking assistance.
She says building relationships with survivors who are seeking help is an important part of the advocacy process.
Sypersma says the primary focus is ensuring survivors have access to compassionate and confidential support when they need it.
SafePlace Siouxland operates a 24-hour crisis line at 800-982-7233.
