April Newsletter

Understanding The Connection Between Sexual Violence & Domestic Violence

Sexual violence and domestic violence tend to be issues that are separated in the nonprofit space. But the two have a lot more underlying themes than one may think. Think consent, for example. Read this month’s newsletter to learn more about Sexual Assault Awareness Month at the Domestic Abuse Project.

Community Training Opportunity

This month, our Advocates Akim Ntakangero and Landon Aldana will be hosting Domestic & Sexual Violence 101 training for those who are interested in learning more about the intersection of the two. Bring your lunch and join us virtually over the lunch hour as they cover the intricacies of both domestic and sexual violence, and how they are deeply intertwined.

When: Friday, April 28th from 12PM - 1PM CST

What You’ll Learn:

About the intersections of domestic and sexual violence
Consent
How to support victims/survivors
The different forms of abuse, warning signs, dynamics, and the impact they have on a victim/survivor

Register here for the free event. Even if you can’t make it to the event itself, we will send out a recording to all who are registered.

—Staff Spotlight—

Akim Ntakangero

Akim has experience in the the field of sexual assault, mental illness, homelessness, and residential treatment.

What is your role at DAP?

I am a Legal Advocate, and a part of the Advocacy Team at DAP. My role is to help out different survivors with navigating the court system— with orders of protection, harassment restraining orders, etc. Essentially, I am there to help the victim survivor get support and any resources they need.

What brought you into this work?

Originally I got involved in this work on the tail end of the #MeToo movement. As it turns out, I knew a lot of people who had been sexually assaulted. Friends started sharing their stories with me that I hadn’t known before. This was a blind spot in my life, so I thought i would learn more. I wanted to make sure I could people close to me, but other victim survivors, as well.

Why do you think it is important for DV organizations to talk about sexual violence?

Domestic and sexual violence are very closely related. They are both used as tools for intimidation and fear. They are inter-related in the court systems. When society talks about domestic violence, we typically only see fists. But we rarely hear about sexual violence and how people use this as an intimidation factor within relationships.

How do you think folks can show up as advocates in day-to-day life?

Really the biggest thing I think you can do is make sure that you are available to listen and that you are a safe space for people when they are ready to talk. It’s important to let your friends know that you are there for them, and that you will not pass judgment. Yeah, just be a good friend and a good listener when people do want to open up and talk to you.

What is something innovative that the sexual violence community is doing right now?

The biggest innovation is the use of accessibility and how advocates are talking about approaching accessibility. For example, there is a high level of sexual violence in the deaf and mute community. We are approaching these communities by providing accessible resources to these communities via videos and emails to make sure these folks can access resources in a way that works for them.

Support Our Work!

—Community Spotlight—

Nicole Matthews

Using her voice to create systems of safety and accountability, Nicole Matthews is a change agent in Minnesota and beyond. A descendent of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, Matthews has spoken nationally and internationally about sexual violence and sex trafficking to create social awareness and promote policy and legislation. As the Executive Director for Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition, and member of numerous committees and task forces, such as Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Task Force, her ultimate goal is to reclaim the traditional values that honor the sovereignty of Indigenous people, and eliminate gender-based violence. Being a matriarch, proud mother and grandmother has only strengthened her resolve to create change and elevate the voices of Indigenous women.

Click the photo above to see Nicole’s Ted Talk.

Books We’re Reading

A few weeks ago during a casual conversation at the Domestic Abuse Project, one of our employees asked what the others were reading. As it turns out, multiple employees were either currently reading or had just finished Chanel Miller’s gripping memoir about her own sexual assault story.

From Penguin Random House, “Universally acclaimed, rapturously reviewed, and an instant New York Times bestseller, Chanel Miller’s breathtaking memoir ‘gives readers the privilege of knowing her not just as Emily Doe, but as Chanel Miller the writer, the artist, the survivor, the fighter’ (The Wrap). Her story of trauma and transcendence illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicting a criminal justice system designated to fail the most vulnerable, and ultimately, shining with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life.

“Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing. Entwining pain, resilience, and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic.”

We highly recommend this book if you have an interest in understanding the impact sexual assault can have on a victim/survivor’s life. Check it out from the library or order a copy from your local book store today.

Are you in need of support at this time?

Call our First Call line at 612-874-7063 x232.

Interested in supporting our work? Click the link below.

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