A local organization that helps people leave domestic violence is celebrating its 40th year in eastern Iowa. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program is inviting community members to their 40th anniversary celebration on September 20th. The celebration includes food, dancing, a keynote speaker discussing her experience, and a silent auction. Alta Medea-Peters, DVIP Director of Community Engagement, says the program began officially on September 21, 1979, “[We offer] support groups for both individuals that reside within our emergency shelter or out. We also offer transitional housing, emergency safe housing, safety planning, and then advocacy at the sort of through legal systems, through the medical system, and through social services, in addition to resource gathering.” DVIP also has a 24-hour hotline available.

She adds that domestic violence reaches women, men, and children, “Domestic violence affects everybody regardless of age, gender, race, socioeconomic levels; it crosses all boundaries.” Tickets to the 40th Celebration can be purchased through the DVIP website. The 24-hour hotline number is 1-800-373-1043.