DVIP & RVAP 

Provides Support for victim-survivors and their loved ones is available in Johnson, Iowa, Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Lee, Van Buren and Washington Counties.

Domestic Violence Intervention Program

Rape Victim Advocacy Program

• Have questions? Need help?

• Give us a call 24/7/365

Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

Have questions? Need help? Give us a call 24/7/365

Domestic violence (also referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), dating abuse, or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.

Free and confidential hotline

• 800.373.1043

• 800.228.1625

Medical Support

Experiencing an injury or medical emergency can be overwhelming. At DVIP & RVAP, our staff is here to provide the support you need. While we do not provide medical care, our team is dedicated to ensuring you feel supported and informed as you take the next steps toward safety and healing. Our services are always free and confidential.

If you choose to go to the ER after an assault, call our 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-228-1625 to arrange for staff to meet you there. Or you can go directly to the ER and ask them to contact DVIP & RVAP on your behalf. You have choices during the entire exam and can stop at any time. Getting this exam does not mean police are automatically notified. Our services are always free and confidential.

How DVIP & RVAP can help:

Safety Planning: Once you have been seen by a doctor, our staff work with you to develop a personalized safety plan that fits your unique needs.

Emotional Support: We provide compassionate, non-judgmental emotional support to help you process your experiences after a medical emergency.

Guidance through the Medical System: From understanding your options to accessing resources, our staff will assist in navigating the complexities of the medical system.

DVIP & RVAP provides free, confidential services to all persons affected by domestic violence and their loved ones. For more information, or questions call 1.800.373.1043.

Legal Support

Staff can help you explore your legal options and clarify any of the information below. If you choose to move forward legally, we can accompany you throughout the entire legal process. Our services are always free and confidential.

Support Group

Our support groups are offered in shelter for residents and in the community for those impacted by sexual assault. Support groups offer tools for community and reflection. Participants will have the opportunity to experience safety and dignity in a community with others. Our support group spaces are a judgment-free zone. Each space is designed to explore thoughts and feelings about sexual assault with reflection.

DVIP & RVAP provides free, confidential services to all survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. For more information, or for questions call 1-800-228-1625.

• Domestic Violence FAQ

• Sexual Violence FAQ

• Human Trafficking FAQ

• Stalking FAQ

Waypoint Domestic Violence Program

Waypoint's Domestic Violence Program serves Benton, Black Hawk, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Linn, and Jones Counties.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact our Domestic Violence Program at 800.208.0388.

If you are contacting your Advocate directly and do not reach them, please leave a detailed message with good contact information and someone should return your call within 24 hours.

Impacting thousands of lives throughout seven Northeast Iowa counties each year, Waypoint's Domestic Violence Victim Services Program (DV Program) offers free, confidential services to domestic violence victims and survivors, as well as their families. Through a safety net of supportive services, the DV Program helps empower victims and survivors to safely move forward in their lives.

These services, provided by dedicated, certified Victim Advocates, include:

• Support groups

• 24/7 Resource & Support Line

• Peer counseling

• Legal advocacy

• Medical advocacy

• Information and referrals

According to RAINN – “Grooming is the deliberate act of building trust with a child, teen, or at-risk adult (such as an adult with a cognitive impairment) for the purpose of exploiting them sexually. Grooming typically starts with friendship, mentorship, or kindness that gradually turns into manipulation, control, and sexual abuse or assault. Grooming is a process, not a one-time event. It’s perpetrated over many weeks, months, or years, and typically extends to the victim’s family and community. Abusers use grooming to create their “ideal conditions” for perpetrating sexual abuse, including by building trust with anyone who might interfere with their intended crimes.”

Learn More at: What Is Grooming

RAINN: Get the Facts About Sexual Violence - When you know what sexual violence looks like, you empower yourself to spot the warning signs, intervene to stop harm, and give survivors the support they need.

Childline: Learn about Online Grooming

Get the Facts About Sexual Assault & Rape

Sexual assault and rape are serious crimes that affect millions. Learn what defines these acts, how they differ, and why consent is key. Survivors are never to blame.

The following information comes directly from RAINN

What Is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that happens without clear, voluntary, and informed consent. It can happen to anyone—and it often involves someone the victim knows.

Sexual assault can include:

• Attempted rape

• Unwanted sexual touching or fondling

• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts (such as oral sex or penetration)

• Penetration of the victim’s body without consent (this is legally defined as rape)

• Coercing or manipulating someone into sex using threats, lies, guilt, or intimidation

• Engaging in sexual activity with someone who is unable to give consent due to age, intoxication, disability, or unconsciousness

Sexual assault is about power and control—not desire. And it doesn’t require physical violence to be serious. Emotional manipulation, threats, or psychological pressure are just as harmful and just as real.

What Is Rape?

Rape is a specific kind of sexual assault. Legally, “rape” refers to any non-consensual penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus by any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, rape is defined as:

“Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.”

Acts of rape include:

• Vaginal or anal penetration without consent

• Oral sex forced upon a victim

• Penetration using fingers or objects without consent

• Rape while the victim is incapacitated (asleep, unconscious, intoxicated, or otherwise unable to give consent)

The language and laws around rape vary by state. To understand how your state defines rape and other forms of sexual assault, visit RAINN’s State Law Database.

What Does “Force” Mean?

When people hear “force,” they often think of physical violence. But force can also be emotional, verbal, or psychological. Perpetrators might:

• Use threats (“If you don’t, I’ll hurt you or someone you love”)

• Manipulate the victim’s emotions or trust

• Use authority or power to pressure the victim

• Take advantage of someone’s inability to consent

Consent must be clear, coherent, willing, and ongoing. Past relationships, flirtation, or previous sexual activity do not count as consent for future acts.

Who Commits Sexual Assault?

In about 8 out of 10 cases, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows—an acquaintance, a partner, a friend, or even a family member. This kind of violence is often called intimate partner sexual violence or acquaintance rape.

One common but misleading term is “date rape,” which can minimize the severity of the crime and obscure the fact that the victim may not have been romantically interested in the perpetrator. 

Acquaintance rape can happen in many relationships, including:

• Dating partners

• Friends or classmates

• Neighbors

• Friends of friends

Stranger assaults are less common but still serious. They can include:

• Blitz assault: A sudden, violent attack in a public space

• Contact assault: When a perpetrator builds trust before assaulting the victim—like a stranger who helps carry groceries to the car of someone they intend to victimize

• Home invasion: When a stranger breaks into the victim’s home

What You Can Do

Healing from sexual assault or rape is a process—and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Here are a few steps that can help:

• Reach out. You can contact RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline by phone, chat, or text. It’s free, anonymous, and available 24/7.

• Report the crime. Learn about your reporting options and what to expect from the criminal justice system.

• Find a trauma-informed therapist. Look for professionals who specialize in supporting survivors of sexual trauma. Learn more.

It’s Never the Survivor’s Fault

Survivors often question themselves: Did I lead them on? Was I too drunk? Should I have fought back? The answer is always: No. Nothing you do, say, wear, or feel ever makes you responsible for someone else’s choice to harm you.

You are not alone. You deserve support. And you deserve to be heard.

What Is Consent?

The follow information comes directly from RAINN

In this context, consent is a mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity. It should always be clear, voluntary, and communicated without pressure, manipulation, or fear. 

Everyone involved must be capable of giving consent. This means they are: 

• Of legal age

• Sober and alert

• Not under coercion or threat

Consent isn’t just a one-time check-in. It’s an ongoing conversation. You need consent every time, for every type of activity. Just because someone said yes in the past doesn’t mean they’re saying yes now. Just because someone agreed to one thing doesn’t mean they’re okay with everything.

• Fact: If someone is underage, asleep, intoxicated, or manipulated into saying yes—they cannot give consent.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will. Force, fraud, or coercion need not be present if the individual engaging in commercial sex is under 18 years of age.

Learn More: What human trafficking is, and isn’t

People may be at-risk to trafficking if they:

• Have an unstable living situation

• Have previously experienced other forms of violence such as sexual abuse or domestic violence

• Have run away or are involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare system

• Are facing poverty or economic need

• Have a caregiver or family member who has a substance use issue

• Are addicted to drugs or alcohol

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Call: 1-888-373-7888 

Text: HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, we're here to provide the support you need.

Iowa Victim Service Call Center: 

The Iowa Victim Service Call Center is a confidential resource for Iowans impacted by crime or trauma. We support victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, homicide, and other violent crimes. Our services also extend to those dealing with life challenges and difficult situations. Concerned family and friends can also seek guidance in supporting their loved ones.

The Following information comes Directly from Iowa Victim Service Call Center

How to Know if You Need Help:

It’s not always easy to recognize when you’re in a human trafficking situation. Below are just some of the things that could indicate you need help and should call us. If you’re unsure and just want to talk through your situation, it’s free and confidential to talk to us.  

Labor Trafficking 

• You’re being forced to work without pay 

• Your boss/employer threatens you with deportation or other harm so that you continue working for low or no wages 

• Your boss/employer makes you work in dangerous situations without proper safety gear, training, breaks, or other precautions 

• Your boss/employer provides your housing but it is dangerous, overcrowded, or lacks suitable living conditions 

• Your boss/employer controls your passport or other identity documents 

• Your boss/employer controls who you see and talk to 

• Your boss/employer forces you to continue at the job even though you want to leave 

• Your boss/employer or a recruiter claims you owe them, so you have to work off your “debt” 

Sex Trafficking 

• Someone (parent, guardian, romantic partner, “sponsor”) pressures you into having sex for money 

• Someone won’t allow you to see or speak with anyone alone 

• Someone monitors what you do, where you go, and who you talk to 

• Someone controls your access to money and your spending 

• You want to stop but you feel scared or unable to leave 

Free & Confidential Services 24/7

CALL: 1-800-770-1650

Text:  'IOWAHELP' to 20121

Polaris Project – Human Trafficking 

Polaris is leading a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking.

• Human Trafficking Myths, Facts and Statistics

• What We Know About How Child Sex Trafficking Happens

• Human Trafficking Training

Strong 4 Life Child Trafficking: Know the Signs and How to Help

Armed with a team of Children’s doctors, therapists, nurses, registered dietitians and other wellness experts, Strong4Life has resources to help busy families raise healthy, safe, resilient kids.

The Following information comes directly from Strong4Life

Who and what to look out for

Parents and caregivers:

• Watch out for anyone who doesn’t respect your child’s boundaries or pushes your child to engage in risky behaviors.

• Watch out for older peers or adults trying to build a relationship with your child by messaging them or spending time alone with them.

• Monitor your child’s social media use.

• Teach your child body safety.

• Help your child identify safe adults they can reach out to whenever they can’t (or won’t) talk to you.

Potential signs of human trafficking

If your child, or a child you know, suddenly shows any of the following red flags, it could be a sign of human trafficking:

• Showing up with belongings or items they would not normally be able to afford on their own (e.g., new clothes, cell phone, etc.)

• Being secretive about who they are spending time with

• Sleeping a lot in school or during the day

• Talking about working late shifts or being unable to take breaks or leave their “jobs”

• Talking about how they cannot leave a work situation out of fear, due to debt, etc.

• Increased isolation from a previous friend group

• Spending more time with an older boyfriend/girlfriend or with a new, riskier friend group

• Unexplained changes in behavior or attitude (increased mood swings, aggressive behavior, etc.)

• Running away from home, not coming home overnight

• New or increased use of drugs or alcohol

• Unexplained change in interest in activities they would regularly enjoy or attend (e.g., team sports, attending school-related events, etc.)

How can you help?

Be a safe, trusted adult for the children in your life—whether that’s children in your own home or other children in your community.

• Engage in open and honest communication and remain nonjudgmental when kids share their thoughts and feelings. A child may not share information with you if they think they are going to be judged for their behavior.

• Remind kids that you are always a safe person to talk to. Let kids know they won’t be in trouble if they come to you when they are afraid or because someone else is pressuring them to do something they don’t want to do. Fear of punishment may keep kids or teens from talking to their parents in any situation.

• Have proactive conversations about safety planning to help kids and teens feel more prepared when they find themselves in risky situations.

• Openly discuss safe behaviors online and in real life. Consider setting up a family media contract where everyone in the house follows the same rules, such as no phone at the dinner table, no computer time after 9 p.m. or no screens in the bedroom.

• Remind kids that, just like they shouldn’t go with a stranger at the mall, they shouldn’t be “friends” with strangers online, either—even if they appear to be close to their age.

• Try to familiarize yourself with the social media and internet platforms your children use, and make sure you know all their usernames and passwords for safety. Using the internet or a cellphone is a privilege, not a right.

With teens and young adults, it can be particularly challenging to figure out what is truly going on. If you notice any of these signs or have any concerns about your child’s wellbeing, do not hesitate to seek professional help.

Talking with your teen about being online

Tips for having open conversations about being online:

• Ask your child what websites and apps they use. Ask your child what kinds of things they typically see and talk about online. The answers will continually change, so keep asking.

• Tell your child about the different things they may find on the internet. Let your child know that not everyone online can be trusted.

• Ask your child who they talk to online and if they know all of those people in real life.

• Let your child know they can always come to you if they find something questionable online. Let them know that a gut feeling is a good enough reason to share with a parent or a trusted adult.

• Share stories of how people have been lied to or mistreated online. Hearing about a news story or a friend’s experience may let your teen know it’s OK to open up.

Protecting your Childs identity online

Tips for securing your child’s identity online:

• Tell your child to only share information online they would be comfortable with anyone seeing—family members, teachers, coaches, future employers and the police can all see online activity. They need to know that even deleted information can be recovered.

• Help your child understand what information should stay private—addresses, phone numbers and personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers, financial information, etc.

• Talk with older kids about avoiding sexual content online. Predators pose as children or teens to talk to children online, so make it clear that sex talk is not acceptable and explain your safety concerns.

• Ask your child whom they talk with online, and encourage them to only add “friends” they know in real life. Review their online friends list regularly.

• Ensure your child uses privacy settings on social networking sites, chat and video accounts. Talk to them about why these settings are important and who should be allowed to view their profile.

Iowa CASA (Coalition Against Sexual Assault)

• • IowaCASA represents 22 victim service programs across the state. Our coalition provides a bridge between victim advocates at sexual assault programs, statewide policy makers, and federal responses to sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. Our mission is to end sexual violence and improve support available to survivors of sexual harassment, abuse, and assault.

  • Helpline

  • Call 1-800-770-1650 or text "IowaHELP" to 20121 for free and confidential services.

LoveIsRespect.org / National Dating Abuse Helpline

• • Helpline: 1-866-331-9474

  • Text: “LOVEIS” to 22522

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

• • RAIN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, RAINN provides 24/7 crisis support, prevention education, and public policy advocacy to help survivors, stop harm, and enable justice.

  • If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and en Español.

  • Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)

  • Chat at hotline.RAINN.org

  • Text HOPE to 64673

Family Resources

• • 24 Hour Free Crisis Line (for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and other violent crimes)

  • Iowa Quad Cities: (563) 326.9191

  •  Illinois: (309) 797.1777

  • Toll Free: 866-921-3354

Child or Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting Line: 800-362-2178

• If a child or dependent adult is in imminent danger, CALL 911.

• Abuse Reporting Line - 24 Hours a Day - 800-362-2178