SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
One of the non-profits in KELOLAND helping victims of domestic violence is The Compass Center.
The organization also supports victims of sexual violence.
The need for services at The Compass Center grows year after year.
Executive director Michelle Trent expects the center to help at least 1,000 adults and kids this year.
She says the increases are linked to the growing Sioux Falls area, and silence surrounding the issue.
“We have a very big problem with domestic violence and sexual violence in our state, and it’s not something we want to necessarily celebrate. It’s not a good thing, but the more we ignore it, the bigger the problem grows,” Trent said.
As the organization helps victims, it has its own problem: a funding shortfall.
Part of the problem is linked to a decrease in funding through the federal Victims of Crime Act.
“In 2021 we received about $400,000 in VOCA. In this year we received about $68,000,” Trent said.