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Coon Rapids Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Spotlighting Alexandra House and Community Partnerships
Coon Rapids Proclaims October Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Spotlighting Alexandra House and Community Partnerships
The Coon Rapids City Council has formally proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, joining communities across the United States in recognizing domestic violence as both a public health crisis and a public safety concern.
Mayor Jerry Koch read the proclamation at the Council’s September 15 meeting, stressing the need for community-wide involvement in breaking the cycle of abuse. “By working together, we can break the cycle of violence and support those who need it most,” the proclamation stated.
The Role of Alexandra House
The Council specifically highlighted the vital work of Alexandra House Incorporated, a Coon Rapids–based nonprofit founded in 1980. As the only provider of 24/7 domestic and sexual violence emergency shelter in Anoka County, Alexandra House delivers a full spectrum of services: emergency housing, legal and court advocacy, support groups, youth and elder abuse programs, and community education.
Each year, Alexandra House assists hundreds of survivors and their children, providing thousands of nights of safe shelter. Its hotline fields thousands of crisis calls, while prevention and education programs reach students and community members across Anoka County.
A Coordinated Community Response
The proclamation reflects a broader, collaborative strategy between the City of Coon Rapids, Anoka County, law enforcement, social service agencies, and nonprofits like Alexandra House. This coordinated approach focuses on three main priorities:
- Immediate Safety: Ensuring safe shelter and crisis support for survivors and their children.
- Increased Awareness: Educating the public about the signs of abuse and resources available in the community.
- Prevention: Addressing root causes of violence through outreach and education that promote healthy relationships.
Anoka County’s Domestic Violence Lethality Assessment Project—which connects high-risk victims directly to advocates—underscores the urgency of such collaboration. Nearly 75% of victims assessed through the program are categorized as high risk, with referrals helping connect survivors to Alexandra House and other services.
Breaking the Cycle of Violence
By formally declaring October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Coon Rapids not only shines a spotlight on the issue but also reaffirms its commitment to supporting survivors, strengthening community partnerships, and preventing violence before it occurs.
For families across Anoka County, the message is clear: help is available, survivors are not alone, and the community is united in the effort to end domestic violence.
