Nearly one in two women and two in five men will experience physical violence from an intimate partner during their lifetime. Domestic violence rises by 12% during the summer, and up to half of all incidents go unreported, according to 2025 CDC data.
Each year, Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety leads Drive Out Domestic Violence (DODV), fueled by Vern Eide Motorcars. DODV is a month-long, social media fundraising campaign focused on putting a stop to domestic violence and bringing hope back to survivors.
Despite the challenges, Shelter for Family Safety believes that “Hope is Stronger Than Fear.” Hope helps survivors heal but, alone, it isn’t enough to end domestic violence.
“Education is the key to ending domestic violence,” said Kate Feilmeier, Program Director. “When we work together to raise awareness, we can create safer communities and drive out domestic violence for good.”
On average, the Shelter for Family Safety provides shelter and support to about 78 guests each day. Throughout July, Children’s Home Society is partnering with Lewis Drug locations in Sioux Falls and Harrisburg to collect urgently need items for families staying at Shelter. Shoppers can purchase items such as shampoo, body wash and toothbrushes, and place them in donation boxes near the registers.
Click here to view a wish list of the most needed items and learn more about how you can help drive out domestic violence in our community.