Local Agencies Combat Domestic Violence

Local law enforcement is partnering with health experts to combat domestic violence.

They are teaming up with the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center and Prairie St. Johns to launch a new awareness campaign.

It is an effort taken by local agencies to put an end to domestic violence.
Their partnership spans about three years and this is their latest endeavor to combat the all–too common crime.

Domestic violence is a serious issue in our community.
Local agencies are partnering in the release of ads that feature siblings Katie and Danny Fay.

Their mother Nancy Sullivan died in June 2013 in Shoreview, Minnesota to domestic violence.

The ads are a way to shine a light on the crime plaguing the community.
“By having a robust campaign you normalize the fact that this community is open, we’re willing to talk about it, we should all be engaged in that conversation,” said

Rape and Abuse Crisis Center Executive Director Chris Johnson.
Troy Raisanen is a student at NDSU.
His mom is a counselor and their family discusses the issue of domestic violence openly.

“Well violence of any kind is bad but especially if it’s in the home. That’s probably the worst place for it to happen because everybody needs a safe place and a place to call home,” said Raisanen of Fargo.

He is one of many who believe the campaign is a great idea for the community to have.

One of the main points of the campaign is that domestic violence is everyone’s issue and that it shouldn’t be left behind closed doors.

“When we say it’s everyone’s business it truly is everyone’s business and perhaps by interceding early we can prevent something like what you saw on those commercials happening,” said Fargo Police Department Chief David Todd.

“We go on domestic violence calls every day whether it’s an actual abuse situation, whether it was a call for a threat of abuse,” said Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney.

Organizers also say that knowing and talking about the issue is bringing awareness that is needed for change.

The Rape and Abuse Crisis Center sees 1600 people looking to escape from domestic violence situations every year.