domestic violence

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, we discuss how educators are teaching teens about healthy relationships, consent and where to turn for help. Professor Carl Weems from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies joins us alongside project coordinators Rhonda Evans and Hannah Uhrich of the ADMYRE program. They discuss how teens define abuse, warning signs that often go unnoticed, and how schools can create safer spaces for students to ask for help. Later, we hear from Brandon D. Campbell, who wrote the book he wishes he had when growing up in a blended family. Through his new book, "Oh Brother, My Brother," he hopes to encourage dialogue between children and their parents.

A study by the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence found that women and children make up the majority of victims of domestic violence homicides in the state. According to the lead researcher, access to guns and a lack of affordable housing could be contributing factors.

Women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, while men are more likely than women to be murdered. But we don't socialize boys and girls to understand the real threats to their safety.

How women and men perceive their safety is often very different, as is how we socially condition girls and boys to think about their safety. Experts say reframing the conversation around gender-based violence is key to prevention.

Women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault while men are more likely to be murdered. But we don't socialize boys and girls to understand the real threats to their safety.

Iowa and 19 other states are suing the federal government over staffing requirements.

The University of Iowa has tasked an Iowa City domestic violence support service to take over sexual assault support services in southeastern Iowa. Even with funding still up in the air, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program is developing plans for these new services and the staff that will provide them.

This year, the University of Iowa says it will close the provider of sexual assault services in southeastern Iowa. A local provider has less than a year to fill the gap.

The Rape Victim Advocacy Program has provided support for survivors of sexual assault for more than 50 years. An IPR News investigation reveals how its abrupt closure came about and how that puts those services for 10% of the state’s population in jeopardy.

Point-in-time counts take place over a 24-hour period and survey those who are experiencing homelessness: people who are unsheltered or those who are using emergency shelters or transitional housing.