DICKINSON — Each year, the North Dakota Council on Abused Women’s Services (CAWS), gathers data from 19 victim advocacy centers across the state, compiling annual fact sheets that provide a snapshot of how many victims of domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) reach out for help and what kinds of abuse they face.

CAWS annual statistics, published in April, revealed that advocacy centers served 6,131 victims of DV and 1,288 victims of SA in 2023, a 21% increase since 2022 where 6,128 victims served.

Women and girls made up the majority of victims, with 83% of DV cases involving females. Among SA victims, at least 1,042 were women. People with disabilities were also notably impacted, comprising 18% of DV victims and nearly one-third of SA victims.

Seth O’Neill, Executive Director of CAWS North Dakota, emphasized the statistics highlight a troubling reality: “The 7,419 total victims served is a shocking reminder of the prevalence of violence in our communities.” He noted that many incidents go unreported, indicating the true number is likely much higher.

Advocacy centers provided over 20,000 services to SA victims and assisted with 431 emergency protection orders in 2023. However, North Dakota’s advocates are preparing for a significant decline in federal funding over the next two years, even as violence rates rise. Lawmakers are expected to receive budget requests for additional state funding to offset the anticipated loss of federal support.

Liz Schneider, executive director of the McLean Family Resource Center, warned of increased lethality in violent incidents post-COVID, stating, “The level of violence is almost unfathomable.”

With federal funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) dropping from an average of $5.2 million to $2.4 million, organizations are calling for increased state funding.

Darianne Johnson, executive director of Dickinson’s DV and Rape Crisis Center (DVRCC) discusses how the decrease in federal funding is already being felt in Stark County.

“We are really feeling it here, the decrease in funding is hard to wrap your head around for several reasons —One being yearly increases in victim numbers and then there’s the rising costs of everything from groceries and gas to services,” Johnson said. “It has been increasingly hard to understand especially when it comes time to assess the budget.”

DVRCC spans all of southwestern North Dakota including the counties of Adams, Billings, Bowman, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, Slope and Stark. Overall, these funding challenges pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of domestic and sexual violence victims in southwest rural North Dakota, necessitating attention and action from state lawmakers and community leaders.

With only one DV shelter in southwestern North Dakota serving the entire area can significantly impact the community and the effectiveness of support services. Shelters may struggle to offer a comprehensive range of services, such as counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy, due to resource constraints.

North Dakota has seen an rise in domestic violence-related homicides, which account for 30%-40% of the state’s total homicides in recent years, according to CAWS. Many of these incidents occur in rural areas with limited access to support services.

Geographical barriers in remote or rural areas often force individuals to travel long distances, which deters many and further isolates those most in need.

Reduced funding could lead to potential implications:

• Increased Vulnerability: Fewer resources for victims, complicating the access for support, increasing their risk.
• Limited Accessibility: Increased wait times for services could delay their access to critical support.
• Service Gaps: Organizations may struggle to meet rising demand leaving victims without help.
• Staffing Challenges: Funding cuts can reduce the ability to hire and retain skilled staff, affecting service quality.
• Impact on Prevention Efforts: Less funding weakens violence prevention programs, worsening the cycle.
• Increased Pressure on State Funding: Reduced federal funds shift the burden to state budgets, risking cuts elsewhere.
• Rising Crime: Less funding and more violence could lead to higher crime rates.
• Local Program Strain: In rural areas, funding cuts leave critical gaps in support where services are already limited.

CAWS urges anyone experiencing domestic or sexual violence to seek help through their 24/7 confidential services. For assistance, individuals can visit the Find Help page on CAWS North Dakota’s

website

.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence they can reach the National Domestic Violence hotline at:

• 1−800−799−7233
• TTY 1−800−787−3224
• Local Hotline 1-888-225-4506.

LeAnn M. Stasiowski is the Community Pulse reporter for The Dickinson Press, covering education, business and cultural events. She profiles local businesses and entrepreneurs, reports on economic trends and educational developments, and highlights arts, entertainment and dining in the region. From attending school board meetings to reviewing local festivals and restaurants, LeAnn provides comprehensive coverage that celebrates and informs the community.