FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

September 28, 2026 

Contact: Sara Wahl, Executive Director 

sara@mnswcc.org | 507-376-4311 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Southwest Crisis Center Calls on Communities to Stand With  Survivors—Always 

WORTHINGTON, MN — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM)—a time to  recognize the impact of domestic violence, honor survivors, remember those whose lives have been lost,  and recommit ourselves to creating communities where everyone can live free from violence and fear. 

For the Southwest Crisis Center (SWCC), this work does not begin or end in October. Since 1984, SWCC  has provided support, advocacy, and hope to individuals and families impacted by domestic and sexual  violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking, and child abuse throughout southwest Minnesota. 

This October, SWCC is asking our communities to move beyond awareness and toward action. 

“Most people understand that domestic violence is a serious issue. What can be harder is knowing what to  do about it,” said Sara Wahl, SWCC Executive Director. “The answer is not that one person has to solve  the problem. It is that all of us have a role to play. We can listen without judgment, believe survivors,  teach young people about healthy relationships, and challenge attitudes that excuse or normalize abuse.” 

Domestic violence affects people of every age, background, income level, race, gender, and community.  It can happen behind any door—including right here in southwest Minnesota. 

SWCC advocates walk alongside survivors through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.  Services include safety planning, crisis intervention, advocacy, emergency assistance, housing support,  legal advocacy, support for children and youth, and connections to community resources. In the past year,  SWCC provided services to nearly 600 individuals and families across the region. Behind every number  is a person—a survivor seeking safety, a parent protecting their children, a young person learning what a  healthy relationship looks like, or a family rebuilding after violence. 

“Survivors deserve more than our sympathy. They deserve safety, support, dignity, and the opportunity to  determine what comes next for their own lives,” Wahl said. “They should never have to navigate that  journey alone.” 

Everyone has a role to play in creating safer communities. This October, SWCC encourages community  members to: 

• Listen and believe when someone shares their experience of abuse. 

• Learn the signs of domestic violence, including control, isolation, threats, intimidation, financial  abuse, and stalking. 

• Talk with young people about healthy relationships, boundaries, consent, and respect. • Challenge harmful attitudes that minimize abuse or blame survivors. 

• Support local services by donating, volunteering, attending community events, or connecting  someone with SWCC. 

• Share resources and help ensure people know confidential support is available.

“Our communities are stronger when survivors know they will be believed, supported, and respected,”  Wahl said. “Prevention requires all of us to create communities where violence is not tolerated, healthy  relationships are valued, and people have somewhere to turn when they need help.” 

This October, SWCC invites residents throughout southwest Minnesota to stand with survivors—always. 

To learn more about the Southwest Crisis Center, available services, volunteer opportunities, or Domestic  Violence Awareness Month activities, visit www.mnswcc.org or call 507-376-4311 to be connected with  an advocate. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, help is available. You do not  have to face it alone.