The Stearns County Domestic Violence Partnership is excited to unveil its new website: www.mndvhelp.com. The website release is in conjunction with the upcoming “Domestic Violence – Through A Child’s Eyes” community event on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from 1-6 p.m. at the St. Cloud Great River Regional Library.
The event’s purpose is to build a connection between children, families and service providers and help children who have been exposed to domestic violence. Multiple service providers will be present including child therapists and consultants who will provide free introductory consultations with children and families. All members of our community are invited. We especially urge those who know of children or families who have been exposed to violent relationships to come and connect with community providers.
An event schedule will be posted soon on the website. Numerous short presentations and speakers will be interspersed throughout the day with a 30 minute keynote address at 4 p.m. from Mary Linn (impact of domestic violence/trauma on children). There will be snacks for kids, McGruff the Crime Dog, Chuck the canine partner, and several other fun activities for kids and families.
Participants for the September 26th event include:
- Anna Marie's Alliance
- Anna Marie’s Shelter
- Benton County Human Services
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Catholic Charities Hope Community, Support Program
- Catholic Charities SAIL/SHY/DOMUS Programs
- Caritas Mental Health Clinic/Caritas Family Services
- Central MN Mental Health Center
- Central MN Sexual Assault Center
- Greater St. Cloud Area Thrive & Nurturing Possibilities
- Legal Aid
- Lutheran Social Services, Crisis Nursery
- Reach-Up/Head Start
- St. Cloud HRA
- St. Cloud Police Department - Police Dog
- Stearns County Attorney’s Office
- Stearns County Human Services
- Tri-Cap
- United Way
The Stearns County Domestic Violence Partnership formed in 2008 after 7 of 7 of the county’s previous intentional homicides involved domestic violence. Research showed that approximately 30 Stearns County repeat felony offenders were committing about 100 new felony domestic violence offenses a year; traditional court responses were not working. Data also revealed that 85% of the repeat violence victims had children, creating multi-generation issues. Prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, corrections, the battered women’s shelter, legal aid attorneys, mental health and chemical dependency professionals and law enforcement came together to problem solve, receiving two competitive grants to fund 4 positions for 2 years: a specialized probation officer, a domestic violence victim assistance coordinator, a surveillance agent to enforce court orders 24/7, and a 70% time legal aid attorney for victim family legal needs. Minnesota’s first Domestic Violence Court (DVC) opened in April 2009. The Center for Court Innovation (CCI), a VAWA-funded New York agency specializing in domestic violence court establishment and research, reports that the Stearns County DVC is the only repeat felony domestic violence court program in the United States.
For more information about the event please contact Matthew Engelking, Chief—Juvenile Division, Stearns County Attorney’s Office at 320-656-3880.