YOU HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY
Get Educated
Knowing the facts is the first step to becoming an effective ally.
Get Educated
Did you know?
- More than five domestic and/or sexual violence incidents occur every day in Dakota County.
- 1 in 3 Minnesota women experience physical and/or sexual violence caused by someone known to them. Data shows this violence occurs across all socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Violence in the home is the second leading cause of homelessness among Minnesota women.
- Of those women who experience violence, more than 50% have children in their care. Children don’t have to “see” the violence to be affected. Studies show that living with domestic violence causes physical and emotional harm to children in many ways.
- An American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds
- Only 25 out of every 1000 perpetrators will get prison time
- 9 out of 10 sexual assault victims are female
- More than half of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home
- The majority of sexual assaults go unreported, making it difficult to fully understand the scope of the problem
- Some studies have shown that as many as 43% of men and 81% of women have experienced sexual harassment or assault at some point in their lives
- 1 in 5 women are the victim of an attempted or completed rape
- LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals are at disproportionately high risk for being victims of sexual assault and exploitation
- 1 in 2 trans people experience sexual assault or abuse
The prevalence and far-reaching effects of domestic and sexual violence almost guarantee that we are all touched by this in one way or another. There are a variety of ways you can continue to learn and increase your awareness of these issues:
- Access resources on our website: there are a variety of free webinars/trainings, podcasts, books, documentaries, and more that shed light on these critical issues.
- Talk with an advocate and/or invite a speaker into your space to talk about domestic and/or sexual violence: learn more about the work that is being done every day.
- Attend the 40-hour advocacy training: 360 Communities offers this training free of charge. Â
Know How to Respond
You may be the one person that can make a difference.
Know How to Respond
Survivors do not choose to be victimized.
We must change the victim-blaming narrative that exists and choose to respond to domestic and sexual violence in a way that shows survivors that we believe them and are here for them. Some examples of ways you can do this:
- Listen, believe, and validate survivors: If someone discloses they are being abused, you may be the first and only person they have told; your response can shape their entire experience and help them access supportive services.
- Know the resources – 360 Communities offers 24/7 services and support to victims/survivors.
- For employers: Develop a workplace policy on domestic violence. Say that you do not tolerate domestic violence and document ways in which you can support victims/survivors in the workplace, including sick/safe time options.
Support the Work
There are many ways you can support advocacy work.
Support the Work
There are many ways you can get involved and change lives.
- Organize a fundraiser or event to benefit 360 Communities.
- Organize a drive for items victims/survivors need, and check out our website for up-to-date lists.
- Contact legislators and representatives for increased and stable funding for crime victim services. When community-based advocacy is adequately funded and resourced, it increases survivors’ and community safety.
- Acknowledge and coordinate messaging during awareness months.
- Support our 360 Lewis House Capital Campaign to build a trauma-informed shelter and expand our capacity to meet the needs of victims/survivors.Â
Are there other ways 360 Communities can help?