North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition

09/01/2026

When Darianne Johnson first started working for the Domestic Violence and RCC (DVRCC) in Dickinson, she knew she had found her calling.

For some, constantly helping people in crisis would be a hard job, but for Johnson, she had found where she fit.

"It was very easy for me to start helping and help them make their lives better,” she said.

She said she still remembers the name of her first client from 2001. And now, after 25 years of advocacy, building a dedicated team and board, and expanding DVRCC's services, Johnson will retire from DVRCC on September 7, 2026.

Read our full profile celebrating Darianne's career and leadership here:

Johnson is retiring after 25 years with the Domestic Violence and R**e Crisis Center in Dickinson.

08/25/2026

Our team attended the National Sexual Assault Conference in Washington D.C. last week alongside advocates from CVIC, Kedish House Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program, McLean Family Resource Center, Sollera, and First Nations Women's Alliance.

Thank you to NSVRC and Respect Together for putting together a great conference!

08/05/2026

Last week, Gillian attended the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center 's Specialty Institute alongside advocates from First Nations Women's Alliance, Abused Adult Resource Center, and Hearts of Hope.

Thank you to NIWRC for a great conference!

07/27/2026

Thank you to The Allstate Foundation for awarding us a 2026 Economic Empowerment Grant!

Financial abuse is often cited by survivors of domestic violence as the main reason that they stayed with or returned to an abusive partner. But through this Economic Empowerment Grant, we will be able to relieve survivors of some of their challenges by providing financial assistance for opportunities to further their education and career. 💜

07/13/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tara Muhlhauser, former Executive Director of North Dakota Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition.

Tara joined NDDSVC (then known as CAWS North Dakota) as the Executive Director in April of 2020, bringing with her more than four decades of experience as a social worker, attorney, educator, advocate, and leader dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and survivors throughout North Dakota. Tara served on many boards, including serving as President of the Board of Directors for NDDSVC before becoming the Executive Director. Her commitment to justice, safety, and systems change shaped every aspect of her work and left an enduring impact on our organization and the communities we serve.

We extend our deepest condolences to Tara's family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by her work and friendship. Her legacy will continue through the countless individuals she mentored, the systems she helped improve, and the communities she strengthened.

We will remember her for the compassion she brought to our work and the joy she brought to our team. May she rest in peace, and may we all make the world a little more like Tara envisioned it: full of growth, hope, and people who care for one another. 🌸

Read Tara's obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bismarcktribune/name/tara-muhlhauser-obituary?id=61933852

05/27/2026

We're accepting applications until June 15th!

Apply now: https://nddsvc.org/get-involved/womens-opportunity-scholarship

We're now accepting applications for the Women's Opportunity Scholarship!

The Women’s Opportunity Scholarship Fund provides higher education opportunities to low-income women who wish to enter, or are currently attending, a North Dakota college, university, or trade school. The fund helps scholarship recipients break the bonds of poverty and enhance their lives and the lives of their families intellectually, culturally, and environmentally.

Please share this opportunity!

Applications are accepted until June 15th.

👩‍🎓 See requirements and apply on our website: https://nddsvc.org/get-involved/womens-opportunity-scholarship

05/21/2026

Abused Adult Resource Center in Bismarck is looking to recognize men who are positive role models in their community.

Check out their post to nominate someone!

🚨 Strong Men, Safe Homes - Nominations Are Open! 🚨

The Abused Adult Resource Center is proud to recognize men in our community who lead with strength, integrity, compassion, and respect. 💙💛

We all know men who make a difference every day:
✔️ Fathers
✔️ Coaches
✔️ Mentors
✔️ Teachers
✔️ Friends
✔️ Community leaders

Now is your chance to honor them through our Strong Men, Safe Homes campaign!

🏆 The top 3 nominees who help raise the most donations in support of AARC will receive:

🥇 1st Place — $500 Prize Value
🥈 2nd Place — $250 Prize Value
🥉 3rd Place — $100 Prize Value

📅 Nominations accepted through June 15th
📣 All nominees and winners will be recognized on June 21st

Together, we can celebrate positive role models while helping create safer, stronger homes and communities for all.

Submit your nomination here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XWzfNBzHHlBTfUP4ZOtpvm9gQB760Rk0xY29LH8hUvI/edit

05/19/2026

This May, we're recognizing Supervised Visitation Awareness Month and the important role supervised parenting time and safe exchange programs play in supporting families impacted by domestic violence.

For many survivors, separation does not end the danger. The post-separation period can bring increased risks, continued control, and ongoing trauma for both adult and child survivors. Survivors deserve spaces where they feel safe, supported, and heard, and supervised parenting time and safe exchange services can provide an important layer of protection and stability during an incredibly difficult time.

This month, we honor the advocates, staff, and programs working every day to help families navigate these difficult circumstances with care and compassion.

To find a supervised parenting time and exchange center near you, visit https://nddsvc.org/spt

05/14/2026

The biggest, greatest, most heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Coalition for Change documentary premiere on Monday night! 💜

This film represents decades of history in the fight to end violence against women in North Dakota, and it was a great reminder of all that we can accomplish when we stand together. We laughed, we cried, and we remembered the women and change-makers who fought so hard to get us where we are today.

Special thanks to our documentary stars and pioneers of the movement, Beth Haseltine, Bonnie Palecek, Susan Paulson, and Lynne Tally, who not only dedicated decades of their lives to ending violence, but also generously shared their stories and wisdom with us. 🌟

More thank yous to:
🎥 BWeis Media for shooting, directing, and editing the film,
🎭 Dakota Stage for providing a fantastic and accommodating space for the premiere,
🙌 And to our team for putting together such a wonderful event!

05/13/2026

If 2024 was the year of change for this coalition—a new name, a new logo, a new executive director—2025 was the year that we hit the ground running.

We called this year’s annual report “Growing Season” because it summed up 2025 perfectly; our team has grown, and so has our impact. We hosted more trainings, provided more technical assistance, advocated for more state funding, provided more legal assistance, and reached more people than ever through our awareness efforts.

And while this growth was positive, it was in response to a growing need. Victims and survivors’ calls for help have also never been greater.

Read more in our 2025 Annual Report: https://nddsvc.org/2025-annual-report