With the help of our sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and donors, we were able to raise over $150,000! It is truly thanks to you, our community, that we can continue to provide wraparound services to families in Minnesota impacted by domestic violence.  

However, the work doesn’t stop here! Though we are deeply grateful for any contribution of any size, we were only able to meet 1/3 of our fundraising goal for this year’s event. With increasing federal funding restrictions and an increasing need for services, we need your help to keep this work going. Your contribution could help us serve Minnesota for 46 more years. Thank you for having the courage to stand with us in ending the cycle of violence.

Holiday Safety Planning

The holiday season is typically associated with joy, quality time, and celebration. For those impacted by domestic violence, however, it can be a time of fear, tension, and intensified risk.  

The holiday traditions many of us look upon fondly often put financial strain on families who are already lacking resources—the expectation to buy holiday gifts, host elaborate gatherings, travel to see relatives, or prepare large meals can heighten tensions in households already struggling with abuse, and potentially escalate violent behavior.  

Additionally, togetherness and family bonds are often emphasized, which can make it even harder for survivors to reach out, as they may worry about being judged by their family or friends for not maintaining the facade of a “happy family.” If a survivor has children, they may also worry about ruining the “holiday magic.”  

So, what can we do to help? Creating a safety plan with your loved one who is experiencing abuse can empower them to feel some sense of control.

Establish a Safe Space: Identify a room or area in your home where you and your children can retreat if conflict begins. Ensure this space has access to an exit, such as a window or door, that can be used in case of an emergency.

Know your Emergency Contacts: Make sure you and your children have access to a list of trusted friends, family members, and organizations you can reach out to for support or a temporary place to stay in the event of an emergency. For DAP's list of community resources, click here.

Prepare an Emergency Bag: Pack a bag with necessities such as clothing, important documents (birth certificates, medical records, etc.) medications, and comfort items for both you and your children. Store it in a discreet place where you can still easily access it.

Plan for Pets: If you have pets, consider them when making your safety plan. In the state of Minnesota, you can ask for possession of a pet as part of relief in your Order for Protection (OFP). Identify pet-friendly shelters or friends who can care for your animals in the meantime. Keep a small supply of pet food and essentials ready. To find a pet-friendly shelter, please visit the directory at Safe Havens for Pets.

Utilize Technology Safely: Be mindful of your digital safety. Change passwords regularly and ensure location services on devices and social media platforms are only enabled when necessary. Consider using a separate phone for emergencies.

Seek Support: Reach out to DAP. We can get you and your children signed up for therapy, advocacy, case management services, and so much more. Call us at (612) 383-2343 or email firstcall@mndap.org.

Practice Self-Care: The emotional toll of the holidays can be exhausting, and it might be a good idea to turn to healthy coping mechanisms to help alleviate that stress. Practice self-care activities such as meditation, moving your body, or taking a quiet moment to do something you enjoy.

It’s important to remember that safety plans are not “one-size-fits-all”—what works for one survivor may not work for another, and creating an individualized safety plan based on your own personal circumstances is recommended. If you need help with safety planning, contact our First Call Line mentioned above.

Interested in supporting our work? Click the link below.