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Des Moines County proclaims October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; local advocates outline services
Summary
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation declaring October 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month and heard from local advocates about shelter capacity, rapid rehousing, a safe-pet program and service statistics for the region.
The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a proclamation on Oct. 8 designating October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and urged continued support for victim services across the county.
Advocates from local service organizations told the board about programs that help survivors. Shauna, who runs Journey House, a transitional housing program in Burlington, said Journey House and partner programs provide emergency advocacy, rapid rehousing and counseling and emphasized program elements that remove barriers to leaving abusive situations. "We offer 24/7 advocacy," Shauna said, describing the shelter, transitional housing and support services that assist clients across the county.
Why it matters: The proclamation frames domestic and dating violence as a cross-cutting public-health and safety concern that affects people of all ages and backgrounds and calls for community coordination among law enforcement, health providers and nonprofit advocates.
Details and numbers: Advocates told the board that in the reported fiscal year Burlington programs served 321 survivors and that Des Moines County–wide reporting showed 341 survivors served; the presenters said regional partners reported 3,111 distinct services and that one regional program (DVAP/RBAP) served 2,563 individuals across an eight-county area. Advocates also described that the local emergency shelter network is expanding: a new shelter opening in Iowa City will increase capacity from about 45 to roughly 70 beds.
Services highlighted: Presenters described a "safe pet" program that helps survivors keep or rehouse pets—an element advocates said can be decisive for people deciding whether to leave an abusive household—mobile advocacy, forensic exam support, housing assistance, prevention education and plans to restart community support groups.
Board response and next steps: The board adopted the proclamation and supervisors thanked the advocates for the update. Advocates announced upcoming outreach events (including a "Shop for Safety" collection drive and "Wear Purple Day" outreach on Oct. 17) and left materials for distribution. The board did not set new funding in this session; the proclamation serves as an official recognition and a public statement of support for ongoing services.
