DVCC expands services to fill gaps

Organizations seek county support

The Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Minot has been expanding its services to fill gaps in the region. Executive Director Jill McDonald reported to the Ward County Commission Tuesday regarding the changes and the work of the organization over the past year.

DVCC is asking for $50,118 from Ward County toward a budget of about $2 million. The request represents an increase due to the additional services being provided, but Ward County's percentage of the regional county contributions remains the same, McDonald said.

Minot Area Chamber EDC also presented its annual report. MACEDC is requesting $65,000 for 2023, which is the same as its request for 2022.

McDonald said the number of DVCC clients has been holding steady, but the level of violence occurring has become more severe. There were 584 adults and children in Ward County who received services in 2021. Services include emergency shelter, therapy, protection order application and support groups.

McDonald said DVCC took over the offender treatment previously provided by Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota and has had 25 clients so far this year.

Another program currently being added is adult forensic interviews for individuals who have experienced trauma as a result of violence. The center also is starting a nurse-run program to provide examinations for sexual assault victims and health education.

In addition, DVCC trains law officers on domestic violence response. DVCC trained 39 officers in 2021 and 25 officers so far in 2022, McDonald said.

Brekka Kramer, president of MACEDC, spoke about efforts to reach out to communities in the county regarding their workforce challenges, which could include child care shortages to a lack of worker training. The survey will be key for MACEDC in coordinating the state's distribution of $1.8 million at the end of August for workforce development across the county.