PUBLIC POLICY, RESEARCH,
& ADVOCACY
EVERYONE DESERVES
TO LIVE A LIFE FREE
FROM VIOLENCE.
Feeling physically, mentally, and emotionally safe is a basic human right. Because violence affects the health and well-being of entire communities, we work to prevent and address sexual assault and domestic abuse through strong public policy, trauma-informed research, and survivor-centered advocacy to create a safer Iowa for all.
PUBLIC POLICY
Violence Free Iowa leads and supports 24 sexual and domestic violence victim service providers who serve survivors in all 99 Iowa counties. Sexual assault and domestic abuse are persistent - yet preventable - public health problems with epidemic levels of prevalence. We are committed to advancing public policies that address the urgent needs of survivors, pushing for increased funding for victim services to ensure statewide access, and promoting comprehensive responses as well as effective solutions for ending and preventing sexual and domestic violence.
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We engage our membership and communities in advocacy efforts to promote positive public policy change through education and outreach to legislators. We provide input on legislation to state legislators and to Iowa’s U.S. Congressional delegation. We also comment on government agency policies and participate in work groups addressing issues related to sexual assault and domestic violence survivors.
RESEARCH AND REPORTING
Violence Free Iowa is committed to advancing safety and accountability through research and reporting.
By examining patterns, documenting the impact of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and highlighting
contributing factors, we can call attention to the far-reaching affects of gender-based violence on individuals,
families, and communities – helping shape solutions for lasting change.
REPORTS​​​​
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON RESEARCH
AND REPORTING, CONTACT DR. RUXANDRA MARCU,
CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER, AT (515) 244-8028
OR Ruxandra@ViolenceFreeIowa.org.
ADVOCACY
WHAT IS ADVOCACY
AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Advocacy is any action that speaks in favor of or argues for a cause, or that supports, defends, or pleads on behalf of others. There are many strategies for engaging and building relationships with policymakers, enlisting strategic allies, and mobilizing key people and organizations.
Policymakers make important decisions that directly affect our quality of life, including how tax dollars are spent, how systems and communities respond to violence, and how people’s basic needs are met. These decisions must be made with a thorough understanding of how they will impact people and communities.
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That's why we educate policymakers, organizations, the media, and the general public about unmet needs and the impact of public policy decisions. We work hard to show people the importance of strong funding and smart public policies for survivors, so they can join our advocacy efforts. Together, we can shape what policymakers prioritize and how they vote on bills.​