Throughout the month of October, we’ve shared two videos taking you inside our Home Free Community Program alongside resources and articles about domestic violence. You might be left with the question — What can I do?
Raise Awareness
If you donated to Missions Inc. during the month of October, you’ll soon receive in the mail your exclusive Domestic Violence Awareness window cling that states “Domestic Violence: It’s not a private matter.”
At Missions Inc., we firmly believe that domestic violence is NOT a private matter. One of the biggest things that you can do is talk about relationships and safety with the people in your life.
Speak to your children about what a safe and healthy relationship is and what to do if they find themselves in an unsafe relationship.
If you are a survivor of domestic violence and feel comfortable sharing your story, talk to your friends and family members, share your story and why this movement is important to you.
Talk to your legislators
It’s almost Nov. 3 and if you haven’t already, voting is a great way to have an impact on domestic violence legislature!
Do your research on the candidates in your area and their platform related to sexual violence and domestic violence.
Survivors of domestic violence can register to vote in two ways which keep their address confidential (your name and address are public when you register to vote).
- Enroll in the Safe at Home Program’s Minnesota address confidentiality program and vote via absentee ballot.
- Send a request to withhold voter information from public information to your county election office. Your name and address will still appear on the list of voters at your polling place on Election Day but will not be available to members of the public.
Reach out to your senators and surge them to support the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (The Updated HEROES Act). Minnesota Senators are Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Sen. Tina Smith.
This act was passed by the U.S. House on Oct. 1 but has been stalled in the U.S. Senate.
The Act. includes:
- Increased state funding for domestic violence services
- Funding for culturally specific domestic violence programs
- Transitional housing assistance grants specifically for victims of intimate partner violence
- Protection for immigrants survivors
- Strengthens emergency family and medical leave and emergency paid sick leave
- Grants to assist low-income women and survivors of domestic violence in obtaining qualified domestic relation orders (order for protection).
In the future, advocate for laws and policies that support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. This includes:
- Funding for community-based solutions
- Safe, affordable and accessible housing
- Gun safety legislation
- Economic security including paid family and medical leave and affordable healthcare.
Support Missions Inc.
One HUGE way to support domestic violence survivors is to support Missions Inc.
Missions Inc. Programs’ Home Free Shelter and Home Free Community Program serves hundreds of survivors of domestic violence every year — providing a safe space, legal advocacy and more.
These services are free for clients because of the wonderful people who believe domestic violence services are so important and donate or fundraise for Missions Inc.