Act to Impact: Create Safety

Mary Ann married her high school sweetheart. He was a military man assigned in Germany. That was where he started to physically abuse her. She endured 17 years of abuse that culminated in tragedy.

After being brutally beaten, held hostage and raped by her husband, Mary Ann called the Police Dept. The police introduced Mary Ann to the local domestic violence advocacy program. With the help of an advocate she developed a safety plan. Her husband threatened to kill her. She feared for her life but with the advocate by her side, she went forward planning for her and her children’s safety.

On February 20, 2009, Mary Ann’s husband entered her house, held a knife to her throat in front of their 8-year-old daughter. They were both terrified but they were prepared. When Mary Ann said “Run”, their safety plan word, her daughter knew what to do. The daughter ran from the house and got to the neighbor’s house to call police. When police arrived they canvassed the house but did not find Mary Ann’s husband. While the police said it was safe to go back home, something made Mary Ann ask the police to search the house again. Luckily, the police were well-trained on domestic violence issues and knew to trust the victim’s instincts. They searched the house again. When they went back in and opened a closet door, Mary Ann’s husband started shooting. The police, defending themselves, killed Mary Ann’s husband.

As tragic as this situation was, Mary Ann & her daughter are alive today because police were trained in domestic violence and because advocacy services existed to help Mary Ann and her family.

Every Minnesotan deserves the same services and protection. You can act to keep every Minnesotan safe.

1. Donate Money.
2. Donate Used Cellphones.
MCBW collects used cellphones which are then cleared, refurbished and given to domestic violence victims. MCBW also receives a small amount of money for each donated phone. Collect cellphones and deliver them to our office.
3. Speak Up.
Let it be known that you care about domestic violence issues. Contact your legislator and let them know that you support funding for domestic violence services.