Domestic Violence Intervention Program

Since its founding, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) has been a beacon of hope for those affected by domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy services to victim-survivors, prioritizing their immediate and long-term safety, empowerment, dignity, and hope.

We believe that ending domestic abuse requires a collaborative, community-wide effort. Through education, accountability, and a commitment to social justice, DVIP works tirelessly to create a safer world for everyone. Our services are available across Johnson, Iowa, Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Van Buren, and Washington Counties, ensuring that those in need have access to the support they deserve.

Our History

DVIP’s roots trace back to 1977 when the University of Iowa’s Women’s Resource and Action Center received a grant to address domestic violence in the community. This initiative led to the establishment of Aid and Alternatives to Victims of Spouse Abuse in 1979, which later evolved into the Domestic Violence Intervention Program.

In 1980, we opened our first shelter and launched a 24-hour crisis line, laying the foundation for the extensive services we provide today. By 1993, we had constructed a 13-room shelter to better serve our clients.

DVIP’s commitment to innovation continued with the introduction of our Transitional Housing Program in 2010, offering year-long housing assistance to families in need. In 2015, we launched Cooper’s House, a unique initiative providing kennel services for clients’ pets within our emergency shelter.

Our Impact

DVIP’s impact extends beyond immediate crisis intervention. We are dedicated to long-term solutions that empower survivors and contribute to ending domestic violence. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to our mission, we continue to expand our reach and services to meet the evolving needs of our community.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, know that you are not alone. DVIP is here to help.

Domestic violence, abuse, and battering are forms of control that devastate lives. It’s important to remember: you are not alone, and you deserve a life free of violence. Abuse is a choice made by the abuser, not the victim’s fault.

Types of Abuse

• Physical Abuse: Includes unwanted contact, such as hitting, kicking, or threatening with a weapon.
• Sexual Abuse: Involves forced or coerced sexual activity, and degrading treatment.
• Emotional Abuse: Includes constant criticism, humiliation, or threats to leave.
• Intimidation and Threats: Using fear through actions, gestures, or displaying weapons.
• Isolation: Preventing contact with friends or family, monitoring activities, or limiting independence.
• Using Children: Threats involving children or using them as a means to control.
• Economic Abuse: Controlling finances, preventing employment, or taking earnings.
• Minimization, Denial, and Blame: Making light of abuse, denying it, or blaming the victim.
• Control through Overprotection and “Caring”: Using care as a pretext for control.
• Using Societal Privilege: Leveraging status or identity to justify abusive behavior.

Legal Definitions (Iowa)

• Assault: Insulting or injurious contact, threats, or weapon use.
• Domestic Relationship: Includes those married, separated, cohabiting, sharing a child, or in an intimate relationship.

If you’re experiencing domestic violence, reach out for support. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) provides free and confidential services. Call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-373-1043. Remember, you have the right to live without fear.

On October 1st, 2024, the transition of sexual assault services from the University of Iowa Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP) to the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) will be completed. This collaboration builds on over 40 years of shared advocacy, education, and community engagement between the two organizations, both dedicated to providing comprehensive crisis support to victims of gendered violence.

DVIP will have fully integrated sexual assault services into its offerings, ensuring a seamless continuation of support for victim-survivors across Southeastern Iowa and the University of Iowa campus. The 24-hour RVAP hotline will remain active under DVIP’s management, continuing to provide critical resources and support.

DVIP will offer a comprehensive range of services, including crisis intervention, criminal justice advocacy, forensic exam advocacy, emergency sheltering, and more. These services will be available to adults, youth, and their families. Specialized services for male survivors, community education, and prevention programs will also be expanded.

Recognizing the critical bond between survivors and their pets, DVIP has a long-standing commitment to fostering and caring for animals. Up to 70% of domestic violence victims have pets, and many fear leaving dangerous situations due to concerns for their pets’ safety. DVIP is one of only two programs in Iowa with an organized safe pet program and the only one with in-shelter accommodations.

Since 2015, DVIP has provided in-shelter kennel services, ensuring that families can stay with their pets during times of crisis. With support from local partners, we offer medical care, fostering, and resources for pets in need.

Future Commitment: Finding Safety, Building Hope

In March 2023, DVIP announced the “Finding Safety, Building Hope” campaign, which includes plans for Cooper’s House Sisters Pet Suites. These new suites will allow pets from the same home to stay together or separately, offering a comforting environment during the healing process.

How You Can Help

DVIP relies on community support to provide these critical services. Donations of money, pet food, leashes, collars, portable kennels, bedding, and other pet essentials are always needed and greatly appreciated. Your contributions help ensure that pets and their owners find safety and comfort together.

Your support makes a difference in the lives of those affected by intimate partner violence. The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible. We serve multiple counties, including Johnson, Iowa, Cedar, Washington, Henry, Van Buren, Lee, and Des Moines.

Ways to Donate

• Donate Now Online to give via credit/debit card.
• Make a donation via Venmo or PayPal
• View our Amazon Wishlist
• Send checks to Domestic Violence Intervention Program, 1105 S. Gilbert Court, Suite 300, Iowa City, IA 52240.
• Consign items at Artifacts, Houseworks, Stuff Etc., or Stage 2 for a percentage of the sales to benefit DVIP.

Volunteering with DVIP is a powerful way to support those impacted by intimate partner violence. Whether you’re interested in direct service, support roles, or administrative tasks, your help makes a difference.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Direct Service Volunteers:
  • Assist with crisis calls, shelter intakes, and client support.
  • Help with shelter operations and youth programming.
  • Commit to a 2-year training and service contract.
• Support Service Volunteers: Manage donations, in-shelter needs, shelter grounds, and supplies.
• Administrative Volunteers: Handle office tasks like filing, organizing, and processing donations.
• Event Volunteers:
  • Support fundraising events like the Souper Bowl and Shop for Shelter.
  • Host donation drives and assist with public events.
• Special Talents: Use your skills (e.g., plumbing, carpentry) to support our shelter and office.
• Board of Directors: Engage in long-term planning, fundraising, and community education, apply here.
• Group Volunteer Projects: Groups can participate in one-time projects with prior approval. A confidentiality form is required.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in supporting our community.

Internships

The Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) offers a range of internships for those passionate about addressing intimate partner violence. All interns undergo a background check, reference checks, and 20 hours of Victim Counselor Training. For more information about internships, contact Ally Tippe at allisont@dvipiowa.org.

Available Internships

• Social Justice and Administrative Intern: Assist with events, fundraising, and office tasks. Ideal for social science or nonprofit communications students.
• Direct Services Intern (Shelter): Support shelter operations, manage crisis calls, and assist with client services. Suitable for social work or social services students.
• Direct Services Intern (Outreach): Help with mobile advocacy, crisis management, and client support. Ideal for social work or social services students.
• Food Security Navigator: Coordinate food donations, manage pantry stocks, and work with local food sources. Great for those interested in community collaboration and outdoor work.
• Rural Prevention Education Navigator: Support prevention education and volunteer recruitment in rural areas. Ideal for those familiar with rural services.
• Social Media Intern: Manage social media content, campaigns, and analytics. Perfect for students in nonprofit management, marketing, or social services.
• Analytics and Data Management Intern: Assist with data management and reporting. Ideal for those with data analytics experience.

Careers

We have positions in both our Southern tier (Henry, Des Moines, Lee, and Van Buren counties) and Northern tier (Johnson, Iowa, Cedar, and Washington counties) service regions.