October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

MASON CITY — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Cerro Gordo County Chief Deputy David Hepperly says his office frequently responds to calls of domestic violence in the county. He says the Sheriff’s Office has been able to take advantage of a yearly grant to help address the domestic violence issue.  “We’re able with that grant to investigate domestic violence cases and send deputies to training and just provide a better response to domestic violence victims in the county. That I think is our most important mission as far as helping the victims and making sure that they are supported.”

Mary Ingham with Crisis Intervention Services says her agency’s partnership with law enforcement is key to addressing domestic violence.  “In just the collaboration, the coordination that we see with our local law enforcement, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office is always willing to partner. They are always willing to do the right thing. They are leaders in the state. Other counties look to our partnership. It’s 2024, but there are still most victims services and law enforcement work like this as opposed to this, and I just think we have a department to be proud of here, just in case you guys didn’t know.”

The Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Monday read a proclamation declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Crisis Intervention Service and the Sheriff’s Office will be holding the annual “Remember My Name” event that honors the memory of Iowans who have lost their lives due to domestic violence at noon on Friday in the Mason City Room of the Public Library.