Emergency Services Impact Area

1 in 4 women are victims of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

In 2009 there were 16 homicides reported in SD.  44% of the murders were the result of domestic violence.

Children who live absent their biological fathers are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, and to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems.

Every 3 days someone in SD dies from suicide, two people die every week and eight people die every month.

It is estimated that every completed suicide intimately affects at least 6 other people.

Only 36.9% of Sioux Empire residents volunteer their time. 

1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men report experiencing an attempted or completed rape at some time in their lives.

In Sioux Falls, over 1,184 domestic violence cases were investigated in last year.

Your Gift in Action...
Sioux Falls Area CASA recruits volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children.  Last year volunteers provided 10,769 hours of advocacy and currently serve 114 cases.  CASA volunteers spend significantly more time with a child than a paid guardian or ad litem/attorney.  A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to be adopted and less likely to reenter the child welfare system.

The Crisis Shelter of Children’s Inn provides women and children fleeing abuse with immediate safe shelter when they are ready or able to leave an abusive situation.  Last year 1,172 individuals sought shelter and 98% of women staying in shelter indicated they developed options for continued safety for when they depart from shelter.

The Crisis Intervention program of Children’s Inn serves the community with a crisis hotline, in person crisis counseling, crisis day care, outreach to emergency rooms, arrest interventions, and more.  Last year 3,796 individuals were served through 17,144 different points of contact. 

Family Visitation Center ensures the emotional and physical safety of children while they remain connected with family members following a disconnect in the family structure.  Last year, 877 individuals were served with 7,869 hours of service.  Healthy and positive interactions serve to foster a child’s self-esteem because they provide reassurance of parental love.  Visitation is important even if the parent has few redeeming qualities, because it will decrease the child’s propensity to develop an idealized image of the parent.

HELP!Line Center’s 211 provides callers with information about and referrals to human services for every day needs and in time of crisis.  Last year 39,651 calls were answered and an additional 51,948 inquiries were made online.  92% of all callers increased their knowledge of services available and  81% decreased their crisis levels. 

HELP!Line Center’s Suicide Prevention provides two nationally recognized suicide prevention/intervention trainings, as well as a 24 hour crisis hotline.  Last year 904 people attended educational sessions and an additional 332 people were provided with survivor support.

HELP!Line Center’s Volunteer HELP!Line connects Sioux Empire area residents with volunteer opportunities, and helps volunteer managers by offering educational resources and support.  Last year they provided 28,014 total volunteer-related contacts. 

The Compass Center’s Survivor Empowerment Services addresses the psychological, emotional and physical effects of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence by providing services to any primary or secondary victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or stalking.  504 individuals were helped last year and 70% of them reached their therapeutic goals.

The Compass Center’s Family Violence Project provides treatment for adults who have used violence against an intimate partner or family member.  Last year, 96% of 264 participants were assessed to have gained knowledge of controlling behaviors by completing program. 

The Compass Center’s Education & Prevention program strives to decrease the incidence and prevalence of sexual assault and domestic violence in our region.  125 trainings and sessions were held last year, educating more than 3,100 people.