Understanding the Need 

Domestic violence affects families in every type of community — including our own.

Behind many closed doors, individuals and children are living with fear, instability, and uncertainty as they search for safety and hope. 

Domestic violence affects individuals, families, and entire communities. While many incidents remain unseen or unreported, the impact on survivors and their children can be profound and long-lasting.

Across Minnesota and throughout the United States, thousands of people seek safety and support each year as they work to escape abusive situations and begin rebuilding their lives.

The Reality

• More than 65,000 adults in Minnesota receive services from domestic violence programs each year.

• An average of 24 people per minute in the United States experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner.

• Less than half of those who experience domestic violence ever reach out for services or support.

These numbers represent real individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted by abuse. For many survivors, leaving an abusive situation is only the beginning of a long journey toward safety, stability, and healing.

Domestic Violence in Suburban Communities

Domestic violence is sometimes thought of as a problem that primarily affects large cities. In reality, it occurs in urban, suburban, and rural communities alike.

In suburban areas, abuse can be especially difficult to recognize because it often remains hidden behind closed doors. Families may feel pressure to maintain the appearance of stability, and the privacy of suburban neighborhoods can make it easier for abuse to go unnoticed.

Yet domestic violence programs serving suburban communities throughout Minnesota continue to see significant demand for services, demonstrating that the need for support exists in every type of community.

The Role of Domestic Violence Programs

Domestic violence shelters and advocacy organizations provide critical support for survivors and their children. These programs often offer services such as:

• Emergency shelter and safe housing
• Safety planning and crisis support
• Legal advocacy and assistance with protection orders
• Counseling and support groups
• Help finding employment, childcare, and long-term housing

These services help survivors move toward safety and independence while rebuilding their lives.

Why Community Support Matters

Many shelters work tirelessly to meet the needs of the families they serve, yet the demand for services often exceeds available resources. Community partnerships and private support play an important role in helping these organizations continue their life-saving work.

The Ahava Project exists to come alongside these efforts by mobilizing community generosity and providing practical support that brings comfort, dignity, and encouragement to survivors and their children.

Together, we can help ensure that families seeking safety know they are not alone.