Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

09/05/2026

This week, the world lost Gloria Steinem, a powerful advocate who shone a spotlight on gender-based violence in America.

Gloria pulled domestic abuse and sexual assault out of the shadows as “private family matters” and into the light to be seen for what they really are: preventable public health crises.

In the 1970s, she championed funding and public policies that helped establish a network of r**e crisis centers and battered women’s shelters across the U.S.

Gloria taught us that progress and transformation are driven by everyday people – not by figureheads, institutions, or systems.

“Deep change … is like a tree. And too often, we think the tree grows from the top, from Congress. Trees grow from the bottom.”

She also pushed us to look beyond the aftermath of violence to see the importance of prevention.

"We need to not only stand at the side of the river bend and rescue the people who are drowning … But some of us also need to go to the head of the river and see why people are falling in.”

Emboldened by her intersectional collaboration and fierce determination, we will continue pushing for a more just and violence-free future. And we hope you’ll join us.

Rest in power, Gloria.

📸 Photo descriptions and credits:
1: Gloria Steinem speaking at a podium next to Dorothy Pitman Hughes, fellow activist and co-founder of Ms. Magazine – St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 1970.
2: Gloria Steinem sitting on the floor and holding a sign that says, “We shall overcome” – Yale Joel, 1965.
3: Gloria Steinem at age 80, smiling for a photoshoot – Mike McGregor, 2015.
4: Gloria Steinem sitting next to Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement – John Phillips, 2018.

09/01/2026

Hello, September! 🍂🍁

The calendar may September, but the 90-degree Iowa weather says otherwise. 😂

Either way, we’ve been busy.

Like, REALLY BUSY! 💜

Listening. Learning. Connecting. Growing our team. Supporting our statewide network of 25 victim service provider organizations. And continuing to work alongside local, state, and system partners to create the conditions where everyone can thrive.

And this month, we will be sharing something exciting with you. Stay tuned. 👀

08/28/2026

A little look back at last week. 💜📸

Our team spent three days at the National Sexual Assault Conference in Washington, D.C. learning, connecting, exchanging ideas, taking LOTS of notes, and spending time with colleagues and friends doing incredible work across the country.

We are back in Iowa with fresh perspectives, new connections, and plenty to keep thinking about as we channel the theme of this year's conference into our work moving forward: United in Purpose, Committed to Action.

And, we have to pat ourselves on the back for remembering to take a group photo. Props to the conference team for the moody lighting and ambiance! 😄

08/26/2026

So ... any guesses??? 👀

We said something exciting was on the way, and naturally, that means we should make you wait a little longer. 😏

So ... any guesses? Wrong answers are absolutely encouraged in the comments. 😂👇

We are not giving it away just yet, but stick with us and follow along. 👀

September is going to be fun ...

08/18/2026

Friends! If you are at the Iowa State Fair today, stop by Booth 273 and visit our colleagues, Lyndsie and Denae! They have swag for all, temporary tattoos, and other goodies to give away!

Thank you Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate and his office for inviting us to connect with Iowans from across the state!

Today we’re welcoming the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence to our booth at the Iowa State Fair.

The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence works alongside a statewide network of victim service provider agencies to connect survivors with the support and resources they need, while advocating for policy and community change that makes Iowa safer for everyone. We’re proud to have them joining us at Booth 273 in the Varied Industries Building.

Stop by, say hello, and learn more about their important work to help build an Iowa where everyone can live free from violence!

08/17/2026

👀 Okay, we’ve been keeping something under wraps ...

And we are almost ready to share it.

Something exciting is on the way and we want you to be part of it! 🎉

Our team will be be dropping a few hints (but not too many 😉) over the next few weeks so follow along and RSVP to Something Exciting Is on the Way! 👀

Think you know what it is? Keep it to yourself. Or don’t. We would actually love to hear your guesses. 😂

08/13/2026

We’re excited to announce that Lyndsie Angus has joined ICADV as our Housing and Economic Justice Specialist! In this role, she will work with member programs and others in key systems to improve survivors' pathways to safe housing and economic stability.

Lyndsie brings 10 years of experience in advocacy and direct service, including five years supporting survivors of human trafficking at Dorothy’s House and five years at Anawim Housing, where she supported tenants, trained staff, and collaborated with other agencies.

Throughout her career, Lyndsie has supported people navigating complex systems, built connections to community resources, and advocated for the safety, stability, and opportunities that everyone deserves. Her expertise around Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and General Assistance will be incredibly valuable to the victim services providers and survivors whom ICADV serves.

Lyndsie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law, and Justice with a minor in Sociology from the University of Iowa. Her education and professional background have given her a strong understanding of the ways that housing, economic insecurity, exploitation, and inequity intersect to impact individuals and communities.

Lyndsie believes in centering the voices and experiences of those most affected by the systems around them. She is passionate about creating meaningful change, strengthening communities, and helping build a future where everyone can live with dignity, security, and choice.

Please join us in welcoming Lyndsie to our team! 🥳

08/12/2026

🚨 The Comment Period Is Closed – But the Fight Isn’t Over 🚨

Proposed federal rules change how money is given to sexual and domestic violence programs. These changes will let policymakers decide who gets funding based on their political beliefs, not on what federal law and regulations require.

Public comments are closed, but YOU can still influence the outcome by contacting Iowa’s U.S. Senators and Representatives.

⚠️ Your Voice Is Vital
If Congress doesn’t block this rule, crime victim service providers, shelters, and crisis hotlines in Iowa could suddenly lose funding at any time. This puts survivors at risk by cutting off life-saving support when they need it most.

💬 Call or email your federal Reps and Senators. Urge them to:
1. Stop this rule from taking effect.
2. Understand how it affects survivors before making final decisions.
3. Protect funding for sexual and domestic violence services.

Supporting crime victims is not political. Providing the services they need requires consistent, reliable federal funding. Make your voice heard!

(Find legislator contact info and a suggested script at the Linktree in our “About” section)

07/29/2026

If you have a student in the Des Moines Public Schools system and could use legal assistance with family, housing, consumer debt, benefits, or record expungement matters, check out the details of Iowa Legal Aid's Community Schools Project.

07/23/2026

Last weekend, 32 teams traveled from across the country to compete in the National Granny Basketball Tournament in Ankeny. Hundreds of fans gathered to cheer on women aged 50+ as they showcased their talent in 1920s-style basketball.

Beyond the court, the event highlighted the Granny Basketball League’s commitment to community giving, and ICADV was honored to be this year’s charity partner! Our Community Engagement Coordinator, Nataly, was part of the opening ceremony, and a few of us volunteered.

We are deeply grateful to the planning committee, Iowa Gold Stars, Ankeny Honey Bees, volunteers, players, and fans who made the event a huge success. Thanks to their generosity, we received 32 boxes of essential toiletry items and comforting stuffed animals for our network of programs that serve survivors statewide, along with $10,964 to support our work making Iowa communities safer.

The spirit of this league – showing up for one another, lifting each other up, and refusing to quit – mirrors our own mission. By shining a spotlight on domestic and sexual violence prevention and advocacy, we help break the silence that allows abuse to persist.

Thank you to everyone who donated and volunteered at this incredible event! You are helping Iowa survivors feel seen and supported.

To learn more about the league, visit www.grannybasketball.com.