BISMARCK, ND —During April, the North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) is sharing cups of coffee that carry an important message. As a part of their Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign, NDDSVC created custom coffee sleeves that have information on consent and supportive services for survivors of sexual violence. The coalition distributed the coffee sleeves to its member organizations—19 domestic violence and sexual assault victim advocacy centers across the state—who are then partnering with coffee sellers to share the coffee sleeves in North Dakota communities.
One coffee sleeve reads “Here’s your cup of support” beside a friendly looking coffee cup character. A URL on the coffee sleeve leads to an online directory of NDDSVC’s member organizations. Each organization provides free and confidential support to victims of sexual assault, including helping victims access medical care, mental health support and legal support, if desired.
Another coffee sleeve reads, “Consent is HOT! (Just like this coffee)” The URL on the coffee sleeve leads to the same advocacy center directory, where individuals can contact their local organization to learn more about consent and healthy relationships.
“Just like your morning latte might help you get through the day, we want survivors to know that advocates can help them get through the trauma that can come with experiencing sexual assault,” said Seth O’Neill, Executive Director of NDDSVC.
In addition to the coffee sleeves, NDDSVC also created custom bottles of hot sauce that read “Consent is Hot” and “If it’s not a yes, give it a rest!”
“Our hope is that the hot sauce creates conversations about consent and why it’s so important,” said Amie Britz, Communications Coordinator at NDDSVC. “Without consent, sexual activity becomes sexual violence. I think a lot of people understand that consent is essential, but we want to go beyond that and make consent something that is celebrated and championed by the people of North Dakota.”
Like the coffee sleeves, the hot sauce bottles have information to connect victims and survivors of sexual violence with supportive services. A QR code on the label leads to the online directory of NDDSVC’s member organizations.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, abuse or harassment, free and confidential support is available 24/7 in North Dakota. Visit nddsvc.org/find-help to find help near you.
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The North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) supports and serves as a unified voice for 19 domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) victim advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials to public awareness and legislative policy change, NDDSVC works to provide North Dakota communities with the best tools and information to better support victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Each year, survivors, advocates and community supporters recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April. As the leader against sexual violence in North Dakota, the North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) is coordinating a statewide campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. All month long, the coalition will be sharing information on consent and how to get help if you’ve experienced sexual violence. NDDSVC is also collaborating with their 19 member organizations to share coffee sleeves and hot sauce with consent-centered messages in North Dakota communities.
NDDSVC’s annual statistics on sexual assault in North Dakota show that in 2023 alone, 1,288 victims of sexual assault were served by 19 victim advocacy centers across the state. At least 1,042 of the victims were female, and at least 20,274 services were provided to victims by advocacy center advocates from January to December 2023.
NDDSVC’s member organizations are also hosting events and sharing content on their social media channels to raise awareness and inform North Dakotans on the prevalence of sexual assault in our communities.
For victims and survivors of sexual violence, free and confidential help is available 24/7 in North Dakota. Go to nddsvc.org/find-help to find support near you.
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The North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) supports and serves as a unified voice for 19 domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) victim advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials to public awareness and legislative policy change, NDDSVC works to provide North Dakota communities with the best tools and information to better support victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
The news of Ray Holmberg’s abuse and exploitation of men and boys over the course of several decades is deeply disturbing and concerning. The North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) strongly condemns these terrible acts of sexual violence and exploitation, along with all other forms of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment.
At NDDSVC, victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence have always been, and always will be, at the forefront of our work. Our thoughts are with the victims of Ray Holmberg and their families. We hope that Holmberg’s sentencing brings some sense of justice and peace.
We also hope that the names of the individuals who enabled his abuse are brought to light.
Certain individuals close to Holmberg were aware of his continuous abuse of men and boys in North Dakota, across the U.S., and abroad. Investigators have found emails and messages between Holmberg and his former colleagues and friends where he admits to abusing men and boys. Whether those who knew stayed silent out of fear, negligence, or for their own personal gain, we owe it to victims and survivors to bring those individuals to justice as well. Holmberg himself is ultimately the one to blame for his crimes, but we must also address how his abuse and exploitation of others was able to continue for so long.
Sexual violence thrives in a culture of isolation and silence, and Ray Holmberg used power and control to keep those around him silent. We cannot let others like him do the same. We call on North Dakotans to turn your anger, sadness, or outrage around this case into action.
If you are concerned that a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor may be experiencing abuse or exploitation, reach out to them. Let them know they’re not alone and that you’re there for them. Ending the culture of isolation and silence begins with reaching out a helping hand.
If you see warning signs that someone may be abusing or exploiting others, say something. Depending upon your situation, you can report to your school, workplace, or to law enforcement. Anonymous tips can be reported to law enforcement officials through ND Tip.
We believe in a North Dakota without sexual violence, but it will take everyone, especially those in positions of power, to get there. Lawmakers, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and individuals across the state must speak out against sexual violence and prioritize the safety and well-being of all North Dakotans, especially those who are most at risk of exploitation and abuse.
If you’ve experienced sexual violence, know that what happened to you was not your fault. You can find free and confidential support at any of the 18 domestic violence and sexual assault victim advocacy centers in North Dakota. Each center is staffed with professionals that can help you navigate your options and stay safe. Go to our Find Help page to view a directory of domestic and sexual violence victim advocacy centers and find support near you.
To find more ways to join the movement against domestic and sexual violence, view our Get Involved page.
BISMARCK, ND—The North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) is shining a light on a common, yet overshadowed topic this October: domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to remembering victims of domestic violence, celebrating survivors and bringing communities together to identify and eliminate domestic violence.
This fall, NDDSVC is spreading the message that “Every1KnowsSome1” to highlight how common domestic violence is. They say that 1 in 4 women will experience sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.
According to NDDSVC’s annual statistics on domestic violence in North Dakota, in 2023 alone, 6,131 new victims of domestic violence were served by 19 advocacy centers across the state. At least 4,205 children were directly impacted by these domestic violence incidents, and 105 women were pregnant at the time they were assaulted.
NDDSVC encourages community members to support survivors, have informed conversations about domestic violence, challenge unhealthy and abusive behaviors and join anti-domestic violence advocates in the belief that all community members must be a part of the solution to end domestic violence.
“Our goal is to create a North Dakota where everyone is safe and lives free from the fear of violence,” said Seth O’Neill, NDDSVC Executive Director. “We are asking North Dakotans to join us in raising awareness around domestic violence by amplifying our messages, understanding the signs of domestic violence and highlighting the importance of supporting those affected by it.”
Those looking to learn more about domestic violence and ways to support survivors can find more information at www.nddsvc.org
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, free and confidential help is available 24/7. Visit the North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) website to view a directory of domestic and sexual violence victim advocacy centers and find support near you.
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The North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition (NDDSVC) supports and serves as a unified voice for 19 domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) victim advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials to public awareness and legislative policy change, NDDSVC works to provide North Dakota communities with the best tools and information to better support victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
BISMARCK, ND—In August, CAWS North Dakota awarded a total of $15,000 to 8 women through the organization’s Women’s Opportunity Scholarship.
The Women’s Opportunity Scholarship provides education opportunities to low-income women pursuing higher education in North Dakota. The scholarship aims to break the bonds of poverty and empower women to enhance their lives and the lives of their families intellectually, culturally and environmentally.
2024 scholarship recipients include:
“We are so pleased to once again be providing the Women’s Opportunity Scholarship to well deserving women in North Dakota,” said Dana Mees, Administrative Director at CAWS North Dakota.
“I am grateful for this scholarship because this has helped with costs such as my books. Scholarships like this make the school year a little less stressful for my family and I. Thank you so much,” said Nikki Blowers, 2024 Women’s Opportunity Scholarship recipient.
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CAWS North Dakota is North Dakota’s state domestic violence and sexual assault coalition. They support and present a unified voice for 19 victim advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials to public awareness and legislative policy change, CAWS North Dakota works to provide communities with the best information in order to end domestic and sexual violence and prevent future violence from occurring.
BISMARCK, ND—In July 2023, CAWS North Dakota announced the reception of a $36,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation aimed at supporting survivors of domestic violence and providing economic empowerment opportunities.
Over the past year, CAWS North Dakota used funds from the Allstate Foundation grant to significantly impact the lives of 24 victims of domestic violence, providing them with access to purchases or services that would have otherwise been unattainable. This included critical assistance such as paying court fines and attorney fees, credit card debt payoff, purchasing laptops, uniforms, and shoes for work, purchasing a washer and dryer, paying for eye exams, vehicle insurance, vehicle repairs, and even vehicle purchases. Furthermore, the grant covered public transportation fees and helped three victims return home to their loved ones in other states.
Financial abuse is often cited by survivors of domestic violence as the main reason that they stayed with or returned to an abusive partner (National Network to End Domestic Violence). The funds provided by the Allstate Foundation grant allowed survivors some relief from financial abuse and economic challenges. The funds also provided financial assistance for survivors to pursue opportunities to advance their education or career, ultimately furthering their financial independence.
Feedback from advocates working closely with these survivors illustrates the profound impact of the financial support provided by the grant.
One advocate expressed, “I have worked with clients who felt they had to remain in their abusive relationship due to financial constraints. Providing access to funds that empower survivors and offer additional resources for achieving economic independence is truly life-changing. Assisting my clients in gaining independence and empowering them to strive for success has been a rewarding experience.”
Another advocate shared, “Many of the survivors I work with struggle to ask for help, feeling they are too far beyond help or they put themselves in this situation. When the availability of these funds is mentioned, I have been met with tears of gratitude. This funding has proven to them that, despite life’s circumstances, there are still good people out there. These funds are priceless and have literally been a life-saver for many of these clients that come through our doors!”
Lastly, another advocate remarked, “The grant provided a sense of hope and assistance to individuals in desperate need, particularly when they felt overwhelmed by their circumstances. Knowing there was help available gave them relief and reassurance that they were not alone in their journey to rebuild their lives.”
CAWS North Dakota received the Allstate Foundation grant due to the continued collaboration between the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the Allstate Foundation.
“The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) has partnered with The Allstate Foundation for over 20 years, specifically addressing the intersection of domestic violence and economic justice. Their ground-breaking and long standing vision for ending intimate partner violence through supporting and expanding economic resources is one of a kind. Providing flexible, low-barrier financial support to organizations like CAWS North Dakota is having a profound impact on the lives and safety of survivors.” Stephanie Love-Patterson, NNEDV CEO & President, said. “Lack of adequate financial resources undermines a survivor’s ability to attain and maintain safety. This funding directly addresses the need and we are grateful for their continued support.”
Kayla Jones, the Domestic Violence Program Coordinator at CAWS North Dakota, further emphasized that the flexibility of the Allstate Foundation funds was particularly helpful in tailoring support based on survivors’ needs. “Flexible funding is essential when working with survivors of domestic violence,” she said. “Often, when working with federal funds, our ability to assist survivors is limited, preventing us from providing the most impactful support.”
CAWS North Dakota will receive grant funding from the Allstate Foundation for another year. The funds will be distributed to victims of domestic violence through the coalition’s member organizations based on an application process.
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CAWS North Dakota is North Dakota’s state domestic violence and sexual assault coalition. They support and present a unified voice for 19 victim advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials, to public awareness and legislative policy change, CAWS North Dakota works to provide communities with the best information in order to end domestic and sexual violence and prevent future violence from occurring.
[BISMARCK, N.D.] — Each year, CAWS North Dakota, the state coalition working to end domestic and sexual violence, gathers data from 19 victim advocacy centers across the state to put together annual fact sheets that give a snapshot of how many victims of domestic violence and sexual assault are reaching out for help and what kinds of violence they are facing.
The latest fact sheets show that 6,131 victims of domestic violence and 1,288 victims of sexual assault were served by advocacy centers in 2023.
CAWS North Dakota says that domestic and sexual violence can happen to anyone, but women and girls are most commonly victimized. Of the domestic violence victims served in 2023, 83% were women. In cases of sexual assault in 2023, at least 1,042 of the 1,288 victims served were women.
People with disabilities in North Dakota were also highly impacted. In 2023, 18% of the domestic violence victims served were people with disabilities. Of the sexual assault victims served, nearly one third, 31%, were people with disabilities.
While the annual data does give insight into how many people are reaching out for help, CAWS North Dakota says that it doesn’t represent the full scope of the problem.
“7,419 total victims served in 2023 is a shocking reminder of how prevalent domestic violence and sexual assault are in our communities,” said Seth O’Neill, CAWS North Dakota’s Executive Director. “That’s around the size of the entire population of Devils Lake, and it’s just the start of the problem.”
The number of victims served in 2023 is only a fraction of the people experiencing violence they say, as many cases go unreported, not every victim reaches out for support, and some may get help from sources other than DV/SA advocacy centers.
Nonetheless, CAWS North Dakota says that advocacy centers work tirelessly to provide essential, life-saving services to victims who are looking for help. According to the 2023 fact sheet, over 20,000 services were provided by advocates to victims of sexual assault from January to December. Domestic violence advocates provided victim assistance with 431 emergency protection orders in 2023.
The coalition says that if you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, free and confidential help is available 24/7 in North Dakota. Those seeking help can find an advocacy center near them by visiting the Find Help page on CAWS North Dakota’s website.
View the 2023 Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault fact sheets
CAWS North Dakota is North Dakota’s state domestic violence and sexual assault coalition. They support and present a unified voice for 19 victim advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials to public awareness and legislative policy change, CAWS North Dakota works to provide communities with the best information in order to end domestic and sexual violence and prevent future violence from occurring.
We are very excited to announce the appointment of Seth O’Neill as our new Executive Director! Seth officially assumed his role as Executive Director on January 2nd, 2024.
Seth previously worked for CAWS North Dakota as our Civil Legal Attorney in 2021 and 2022, and he contracted as a lobbyist for the coalition during the 68th Legislative Assembly. Seth’s work as a lobbyist helped the coalition pass laws relating to stalking, domestic violence intervention programming, and increased state funding.
Seth holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead, a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and he earned his law degree with a certification in Indian and Tribal Law from the University of North Dakota.
Most recently, Seth taught and advised social work students as an Assistant Professor of Social Work and the Director of Social Work Field Education at the University of Mary. In addition to his past work with CAWS North Dakota, Seth also previously worked as an Assistant Attorney General in Bismarck, ND and as a Child Protection Social Worker in White Earth, MN. His work included collaborating with social workers, representing state agencies in legal matters, and case management.
“We are thrilled to welcome Seth back to the CAWS team in this new role,” said Melandie Deplazes, CAWS North Dakota Board President. “Seth’s past legal and legislative work for the coalition and strong background in social work and law made him a natural fit for the Executive Director position. We are confident that with his skills and experience, he will be able to hit the ground running and continue the important work of the coalition.”
Seth is originally from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and now resides in Bismarck with his wife, Jayla. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time on the water.
“I am both honored and excited to be back with CAWS North Dakota as the new Executive Director,” Seth said. “I am committed to serving all individual’s affected by domestic and sexual violence and working towards a future where all individuals and families are safe, healthy, and thriving.”
CAWS North Dakota is a North Dakota’s statewide domestic violence and sexual assault coalition. They support and present a unified voice for 19 domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy centers across North Dakota. From training and educational materials to public awareness and legislative policy change, CAWS North Dakota works to provide North Dakota communities with the best information to better support victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Donate Now
Thousands of North Dakotans experience domestic and sexual violence each year. But together, we can change that. By giving to NDDSVC, you’re helping us prevent future violence and providing life-saving resources to North Dakota communities.
Find Help
If you are in an unsafe or abusive situation, there are 19 domestic violence/sexual assault (DV/SA) victim advocacy centers across North Dakota that can help you navigate your options and stay safe. Each center is staffed with professionals who can help you with safety planning, finding shelter, obtaining a protection order, and more.
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NDDSVC does not provide direct services to victims and survivors.
Contact a DV/SA advocacy center near you if you are looking for support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
