In Minnesota, one in every two women reports sexual violence from an intimate partner at some point during her life and one in four reports physical violence, according to the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. Advocates say the numbers don’t tell the whole story because most cases of domestic violence go unreported.
“We have to talk about it,” said Kelly Turpin, Director of Development & Communications at Women's Advocates. “It has impacted our community, and it does not matter your race, class, gender, or economic status, and unless we’re talking about it, it’s not going to change.”
Women’s Advocates was founded in 1974 as the first shelter for victims of domestic violence in the nation. At its three side-by-side homes located in St. Paul, Women’s Advocates provides temporary, secure housing for up to 50 victim-survivors leaving dangerous and abusive situations. The organization is hosting an event on Tuesday, October 28th, titled: Create With Us. The evening is described as providing a space for solidarity, hope, and renewal for
any victim-survivors, allies, or community members during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“We are entering our 51st anniversary this year,” Turpin added. “Our mission is to walk alongside our community and victim-survivors to break the cycle of domestic violence.”
Along with secure housing, Women’s Advocates also offers a robust children and youth program, both in the shelter and in the community, as well as a pet foster program and mental health and wellness services. Turpin says Women’s Advocates is also out in the community with pop-up advocacy events at George Latimer Central Library and the Rondo Community Library, both in St. Paul. Guests can learn about domestic violence, complete a safety plan, get shelter resources, explore legal options, or simply sit with a community outreach advocate who will listen to their story and come up with the best plan moving forward.
“Maybe it doesn’t feel safe to call or get on the computer, and you can go to one of our pop-ups to get resources for yourself or someone in your life,” Turpin added.
Women’s Advocates Create With Us event on Tuesday, Oct. 28, is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul. Guests will enjoy food, live music, stunning art installations, vendors, and an uplifting program focused on creation, innovation, and healing.
“I feel this personally, that a lot is going on right now and we’re all grappling with how to help and how to get involved,” Turpin said. “This is something you can do, show up at this event. We can all find ways to create.”
Learn more about the Women’s Advocates Create With Us event and buy tickets here.
If you are experiencing domestic violence and need help, please call the Women’s Advocates crisis line at: 651-227-8284 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.