Domestic violence in rural communities often exists as a hidden, silent, and unrecognized crime that is underreported, which is emphasized by the Domestic Violence Intervention Program that serves Washington and other counties.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and DVIP has been working to end violence in intimate relationships for more than 40 years through the collaborative partnerships of advocates, volunteers, local municipalities, criminal justice, health and human services, faith communities, business leaders, and private citizens. DVIP Client Advocacy Services Coordinator for Washington and Iowa counties Xiomara Levsen says one in three Americans has witnessed an incident of domestic violence, and not all victims she assists file criminal charges, “It’s really hard in the state of Iowa to charge someone with harassment and stalking. It’s easier to charge someone with assault, and even domestic violence is really hard to get someone charged unless they can prove they were in a relationship. Sometimes it doesn’t happen and sometimes the people don’t want the charges pressed because it’s really embarrassing and it’s really hard for them to come out and say, ‘Yeah, I need help.’”

Levsen says she has provided over 650 services to people in Washington County in the last fiscal year, including court, medical and law enforcement advocacy, and counseling. Assistance is also offered by the Washington County Domestic Violence Coalition that has raised funds for over three decades to help victims. For free and confidential help from DVIP, click here.