Des Moines County proclaims April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month; local advocates outline services and needs

The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on March 31 adopted proclamations recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month and heard a presentation from DVIP/RVAP staff.

Brienne Helmers, stewardship coordinator for DVIP/RVAP, described the local service network and resource gaps. She told the board that in the last fiscal year the agency "served 28 sexual assault clients in Des Moines County and provided 543 of our services," which include safety planning, a 24/7 crisis line and accompaniment to medical and legal appointments. Helmers said Des Moines County lacks SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) capacity and that victims must often be transported to Iowa City for forensic exams, which are time-consuming and costly to provide.

Helmers asked the board and the community to consider funding and in-kind support: about half of the agency's funding comes from federal sources and the other half from grants, local partners and donations; DVIP/RVAP also requested community donations for a "shop for survivors" event that supports shelter supplies.

The board adopted the proclamations by unanimous voice vote and thanked presenters for the information. The proclamations urge residents and local institutions to promote prevention and support available services.

Why it matters: Local nonprofit advocates provide critical crisis, shelter and advocacy services. The lack of local SANE capacity raises access issues for survivors seeking medical forensic exams and may increase costs and travel burdens.

What's next: Advocates asked the board to consider funding requests when applications arrive and to publicize volunteer and donation opportunities.