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Majority Leader Winkler holds town hall meeting with domestic violence prevention advocates

Thursday, May 7, 2020

St. Paul, Minnesota — Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler held a virtual town hall meeting yesterday with state representatives and domestic violence prevention advocates. Participants discussed the increased rates of domestic and sexual violence during the stay-at-home order, and the needs of Minnesotans suffering from domestic violence and funding for victims services.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic and sexual violence programs are on the front lines supporting our most vulnerable community members,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Tragically, Stay-at-Home policies — while slowing the spread of COVID-19 — leave many victims stranded at home with their abusers, closed off from access to others – in the workplace, through their children’s schools, and at social events. We have to ensure our advocacy organizations have the resources they need to assist Minnesotans, and continue to spread the word that these services remain available during this time.”

"As advocates working to end domestic and sexual violence, we are gravely concerned with the current crisis within a crisis today and in the coming months,” said Liz Richards, Executive Director of Violence Free MN. “Currently, people experiencing abuse are faced with incredible barriers to safety due to isolation and a lack of community resources. In the coming months, the economic impact of this moment will present survivors and their children with even more challenges as we anticipate a surge in the need for safe affordable housing, healthcare, and financial stability. We are grateful our elected officials are taking proactive steps to ensure that survivors and their children are at the forefront of their minds as they make policy decisions for the safety and well-being of all Minnesotans."

Domestic violence programs and shelters are critical services and remain open. If you are experiencing abuse in your home, please reach out to someone you trust. Call the 24/7 crisis hotline at 1.866.223.1111 or text 612.399.9995.

Programs are also in need of supplies. Please consider donating to your local program. Find your local program here: https://www.vfmn.org/find-a-program

Participants included: 

  • Liz Richards, Executive Director of Violence Free MN

  • Katie Kramer, Policy Director of Violence Free MN 

  • Lindsay Brice, Law and Policy Director of MNCASA 

  • Artika Roller, Executive Director of MNCASA  

  • Rep. Kelly Moller (DFL - Shoreview)

  • Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL - Mendota Heights)