Dakota County Victim Assistance Program

05/04/2026

Check out this week’s Mobile Pantries! See the full list of pantries and agencies at: https://www.siouxlandfoodbank.org/get-food.
The Mobile Pantry program is generously sponsored by Iowa Total Care.

04/28/2026

With the 2026 Legislative session now over, we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to everyone who took action this year. Your emails, calls, testimony, and ongoing engagement helped move forward policies that will make a real difference for survivors across Nebraska.

This session brought meaningful progress toward preventing violence and strengthening support systems. New laws will improve protections in the courtroom, enhance responses to missing persons, expand access to care, and increase funding for services that survivors rely on every day.

Highlights from the 2026 session include:
⭐️ Strengthening legal protections and accountability in cases of domestic and sexual violence.
⭐️ Improved systems for responding to missing persons, particularly those at higher risk of violence.
⭐️ Expanded access to healthcare and support for survivors, including during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
⭐️ Increase investment in services that support safety, healing, and long-term stability.

These policy wins matter because they shape how survivors experience safety, justice, and support across Nebraska. They also reflect ongoing progress toward a future where all Nebraskans are safe and thriving.

Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing policies that support survivors and strengthen our communities.

04/27/2026

The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website:
www.dakotacosheriffne.org
Designed with our community in mind, the new site makes it easier than ever to:
✔️ Access important services and forms
✔️ Find up-to-date news and alerts
✔️ Learn about our divisions and resources
✔️ Connect with our team quickly and efficiently
Whether you’re looking for public safety information, reporting resources, or general assistance, everything you need is now just a click away.
We invite you to explore the new site and stay connected with us as we continue to serve and protect Dakota County.

04/05/2026

SCAM ALERT 🚨 Be cautious if you receive this message via text or email. Avoid clicking on any links, scanning, or calling/texting. Do not disclose any personal information. For assistance, contact the Dakota County Sheriffs at 402-494-7555.

03/24/2026

12/29/2025

Dakota County Victim Assistance will be open Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 12:00-8:00 p.m. CLOSED Thursday, January 1, 2026. A bilingual advocate will be available again on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 5:00-11:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for anyone needing assistance.

12/23/2025

Dakota County Victim Assistance will be CLOSED Wednesday, December 24, 2025 and Thursday, December 25, 2025. A bilingual advocate will be available again on Friday, December 26, 2025 from 5:00-11:00 p.m. for anyone needing assistance.

11/27/2025

Dakota County Victims Assistance will be closed until Monday, December 1, 2025.

11/06/2025

We believe effective solutions to ending violence are driven by survivors and those with lived experience.

Last year, we became aware that survivors impacted by financial abuse were falling through the cracks of mediation services. Mediation is often required in custody cases, and even with sliding fee scales, the costs can feel impossible for some survivors.

Recognizing the need for a survivor-centered solution, we connected with the Office of Dispute Resolution and nonprofit mediation centers across the state to explore a new approach. Together, we developed a process that allows network advocates, with a survivor's consent, to connect with the Nebraska Coalition. We then help coordinate a customized solution directly with the mediation center.

To strengthen understanding between systems, we also created and shared a statewide map linking network service-providing organizations with their corresponding mediation centers. This simple tool has helped both fields build stronger partnerships and clearer communication.

This collaboration not only removed a barrier for survivors but also reshaped how agencies across Nebraska listen and interact. It’s a reminder that lived experience isn’t just a perspective to consider, it’s the foundation of positive change.