A private nonprofit agency that works with survivors of domestic violence will take over responses to sexual assault cases in three northwest Iowa counties, starting October 1st. The Iowa Attorney General’s office recently provided funding to SafePlace to take over jurisdiction in Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury counties. Gina Sypersma is a spokeswoman for SafePlace Siouxland.
While SafePlace has been focused on domestic violence in recent years, Sypersma says the goal is to make the shift seamless.
She says building relationships with the survivors who are seeking help is an important part of the advocacy process.
Sypersma says the primary focus is to ensure survivors have compassionate, confidential support when they need it. SafePlace also has a 24-hour Crisis Line: 800-982-7233.
