The Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center – D/SAOC – is the Crisis Based Shelter for 20 north central Iowa counties – Boone, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Humboldt, Kossuth, Marshall, Mitchell, Story, Tama, Webster, Winnebago, Worth and Wright.

Sheltering is provided to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and other violent crimes. Services offered to victims of violence include, but are not limited to: safety planning, case management, developing a path to reach goals, and regaining control of their own lives.

Violence is a learned behavior that is a choice on the part of the abuser. It is learned within families, within communities, and from the systems of oppression in which we live. It is part of almost all cultures. No one plans to experience violence in their lives, but if it happens, there is help and support. D/SAOC was formed when two previously separate agencies were merged in July 1992. The merger of the Family Violence Center of North Central Iowa and Rape/Sexual Assault Victim Advocates enabled the agencies to coordinate and combine services. This provided more comprehensive and increased assistance to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. D/SAOC has been a part of the community for more than 24 years and has helped thousands who were victims of violence.

April is a month of anticipation, not only does this month’s showers clean and clear the way for the earth to come alive, but its sun becomes warmer and erases the chill that winter bestowed. “Cabin fever” is surrendering and an excitement of being outdoors is brewing. Along with all that, April is also an important and exciting time for D/SAOC. The month of April brings three very important events for our organization and victim services in the state of Iowa.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The goal of this observance is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities on how to prevent it. Individuals, communities and the private sector can all take action to promote safety, respect and equality. While sexual violence is a widespread problem, it is believed it can be prevented. This violence happens in all communities and affects families, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Nearly one in five women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape some time in their lives and nearly one in two women and one in five men have experienced sexual violence victimization other than rape at some point in their lifetime. Prevention work is happening year round; however, having an entire month to emphasize the importance of this work is extraordinarily important in promoting a society free from sexual violence. Teal is the designated color for sexual assault awareness and prevention. Watch for teal ribbons, posters, T-shirts, and media ads during the month of April.

21st annual D/SAOC Cake Auction

The mission of D/SAOC and the work performed is very important and difficult; however, April is the time for the D/SAOC Cake Auction and that gets a lot of people excited. The Cake Auction is D/SAOC’s largest fundraising event and one that all can enjoy. The event includes both a silent and live auction setting where each auction item is partnered with a cake. The auction displays an environment of beauty, creativity and amazement of the many donated items and cakes. It is a unique event that has become a part of our community. This will be the 21st year for the Cake Auction. It started out in a small building with only few cakes and has grown to the point that it is held in one of the largest venues in our community and consists of over 250 auction items and cakes. That makes for a lot of sweet-treat displays.

The proceeds from the Cake Auction support the D/SAOC operating budget, which allows the agency to continue providing free and confidential sheltering services to victims of violence. There is a lot of work that goes into preparing an event like this, but the end result does not disappoint. Prizes are starting to appear in our office, commitments to donate cakes are happening and the process to creating this event is well on its way. To view some of the donations and prizes for the cake auction, visit the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Facebook Page. If you have never attended a D/SAOC Cake Auction, please consider attending this year. If you attend regularly, we look forward to seeing you.

The 21st DSAOC Cake Auction is April 16 on the Iowa Central East Campus, 2031 Quail Ave. Doors Open at 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Crime Victims’ Rights Week

One week every year in April victim service organizations observe Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s dates are April 10-16, and the theme from the Office for Violence of Crime is “Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope.” This theme underlines the importance of early intervention and victim services in establishing trust with victims, which in turn begins to restore their hope for healing and recovery. D/SAOC is a supporter and participant for this week of awareness.

Working with victims and families is crucial in the healing process.The D/SAOC Homicide/Other Violent Crimes counselors advocate to assist victims through the trauma of violent crimes, make obligations for families of homicide victims easier and provides hope and support. Information and awareness materials will be available at the 21st annual D/SAOC Cake Auction. Throughout the week of April 10-16, D/SAOC staff will be working with other organizations at awareness events, and communications will be broadcast nationwide on all forms of media during Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

April is a busy month; however, the rights and safety of victims of violence still remains the focus of the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center. Our mission statement includes “… all people deserve a violence-free life and a compassionate community.” The D/SAOC staff, volunteers and its board of directors fully support this mission and are continuously working everyday toward this goal.

Brenda McBride is executive director of the Domestic/ Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Fort Dodge.