Join the fight against abuse

Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Services is looking for businesses and/or individuals who will show their commitment to taking a stand against domestic violence by making a financial contribution to our agency during our third annual fund drive which runs through July 25th.

These contributions will assist us in providing emergency shelter, food, clothing and transportation for victims and their children, assistance with deposits and other necessities when they move into a place of their own and with limited legal, medical and counseling expenses for victims and their children. These services are free and confidential to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Red Willow, Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes and Hitchcock Counties.

In addition to direct victim services, our agency goes into area schools to educate youth on issues such as: personal body safety, dating violence, the characteristics of a healthy relationship, all in an effort to prevent future violence. We also provide presentations to area churches, civic organizations and workplaces to promote public awareness on the seriousness of these issues. Last year alone our agency assisted 493 victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

If you do not wish to or cannot make a monetary donation there are other ways to show your support:

* You could donate your time; we are always in need of volunteers to assist with the crisis line.

If you aren't interested in crisis line call us there are many other ways that we could use your assistance. If you are interested in volunteering contact us and we will put your name on the list for the upcoming volunteer training n You could organize a donation drive for items the clients need. We can provide a Wish List to help you know what those items are.

We'd like to thank all the area businesses and individuals who supported us over the last year through financial contributions, volunteering or bringing in donations. It is people like you who keep us going. For those of you who did not participate we encourage you to get involved in the fight against domestic violence. It doesn't have to be a lot -- every little bit helps. Your contribution is tax-deductible.

To find out more about domestic/sexual violence issues, contact Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Services at (800) 876-6238 or (308) 345-1612.

-- Goad is executive director of Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Services