Building Safer Communities Together
The South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault believes that safety, justice, and healing are not achieved in isolation. Lasting change requires strong, respectful collaboration across systems, communities, and disciplines. By working alongside partners in education, prevention, advocacy, justice, healthcare, tribal communities, and survivor-led organizations, we strengthen responses to violence and build safer communities across South Dakota.
Why Collaboration Matters
Violence affects individuals, families, and entire communities. No single organization or system can address its impacts alone. Collaboration allows partners to share expertise, reduce gaps in services, avoid duplication, and create coordinated responses that better support victims and survivors.
Through partnership, South Dakota communities are better equipped to:
- Increase access to survivor-centered services
- Strengthen prevention and education efforts
- Promote accountability and justice
- Improve coordinated responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking
- Support long-term healing and recovery
Our Approach to Partnership
The Network serves as a statewide facilitator and partner, bringing organizations together to strengthen systems and advance best practices. Our collaborative approach is grounded in:
Mutual Trust
We build relationships rooted in respect, transparency, and consistency
Respect and Expertise
We honor the unique knowledge and roles of partner organizations
Cultural Responsiveness
We recognize the importance of culturally specific and community-led solutions
Shared Accountability
We work together toward measurable, meaningful outcomes
Survivor Centered Values
We center victim-defined needs, safety, and autonomy
Partner Areas Across South Dakota
The Network collaborates with partners across South Dakota who play critical roles in advocacy, safety, prevention, and systems response for survivors and communities.
Directive Services
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- Victim advocacy programs and shelters
- Tribal nations, tribal victim service programs, and Native-led organizations
- Healthcare and behavioral health providers
- Prevention and youth-serving organizations
- Community-based and culturally specific organizations
Justice and Public Safety
- Law enforcement and prosecutors
- Courts and justice system partners
Education, Policy and Systems
- Schools, colleges, and education professionals
- State agencies and policymakers
How We Support Our Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Partners
The Network provides STOP trainings and technical assistance to support trauma-informed, victim-centered investigations and prosecutions.
Specialized Training
Evidence-based training on trauma-informed response, effective interviewing techniques, and understanding the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence.
Investigative Support
Best practices for conducting victim-centered investigations that prioritize survivor safety while building strong cases for prosecution.
Protocol Development
Assistance creating response protocols, inter-agency agreements and coordinated approaches to domestic violence and sexual assault cases.
Multi-Disciplinary Team Coordination
The network facilitates collaboration between law enforcement, prosecution, victim services, and other partners to create coordinated community responses that enhance victim safety a nd offender accountability across South Dakota.
For any further STOP training inquiries please reach out to the STOP grant Coordinator, Scott Hultgren at scott@sdnafvsa.com or by calling (605) 731-0041.
How We Support Our Advocate and Victim Service Provider Partners
The Network strengthens victim advocacy through collaboration, advanced training, and specialized technical assistance that supports effective, survivor-centered responses to domestic and sexual violence.
Professional Education
Comprehensive training opportunities through the South Dakota Victim Assistance Academy and specialized learning session for advocates.
Technical Assistance
Individualized support for advocacy programs, including guidance on best practices, policy development, and program enhancement.
Network Building
Opportunities to connect with fellow advocates statewide, share resources, and collaborate on initiatives to advance survivor-centered services.
Advocacy Resources & Support
The Network offers access to model policies, training materials, legal resources, certification, and ongoing consultation to support your work serving survivors. Our tools and expertise help advocates navigate complex systems and deliver effective, trauma-informed services.
Partnering Across Community Systems
Ending violence and supporting survivors requires coordinated efforts across the systems people interact with every day. The Network works alongside professionals who are often the first to recognize harm, respond to disclosures, and connect individuals to safety and healing. Through training, technical assistance, and collaboration, we support partners across healthcare, education, community leadership, and mental health to strengthen responses, close service gaps, and create safer South Dakota communities.
Healthcare Providers
We provide training on recognizing signs of abuse, conducting trauma-informed medical examinations, and connecting patients with support services.
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs
- Medical response protocols
- Provider education and consultation
School & Educators
We provide resources for educators and school personnel to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately, and create safe environments for students.
- Dating violence prevention education
- Staff training on reporting requirements
- Student support resources
Community Leaders
We facilitate partnership opportunities for faith leaders, tribal organizations, business groups and civic organizations committed to ending violence.
- Community awareness initiatives
- Prevention program development
- Collaborative response building
Mental Health Professionals
We provide training and resources for therapists, counselors and mental health providers serving survivors of trauma and violence.
- Trauma-focused intervention training
- Understanding dynamics of abuse
- Cross-system collaboration
Committed to Respectful Collaboration
We recognize that effective collaboration requires listening, learning, and ongoing relationship-building. The Network is committed to working in ways that respect organizational roles, cultural differences, survivor choice, and community-specific needs. We strive to complement—not duplicate—services and to support partners in their vital work.
Together, we can strengthen systems, share knowledge, and create safer futures for South Dakota communities.
Interested in Becoming a Member with The Network?
Join professionals across South Dakota in creating a stronger, more coordinated response to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Together, we can make a difference.