Relationship Safety Alliance to the lakes area provides support

BY JILL MCKENZIE, COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER

Being a victim of domestic violence is an incredibly complex and devastating experience, encompassing a wide range of emotions and psychological impacts. Some of the common feelings and experiences victims may endure include fear and anxiety, isolation, shame and guilt, confusion and uncertainty, low self-esteem, physical and emotional pain and ambivalence. It can become so overwhelming it’s almost impossible to make a decision. Many victims operate in survival mode, focusing on immediate safety and coping mechanisms rather than long-term plans. This can lead to a reluctance to seek help due to a fear of repercussions, disbelief or retaliation. Despite these challenges, many victims show incredible courage and strength in seeking help and rebuilding their lives.

Understanding these feelings is crucial for providing appropriate support and interventions for victims of domestic violence. Compassion, patience and a non-judgmental approach are essential in helping them navigate their journey toward safety and recovery. This is where the Relationship Safety Alliance (RSA), formerly known as the Mid Minnesota Women’s Center (MMWC), can assist anyone who is a victim of domestic violence.

RSA employs a comprehensive system to deliver services through the Louise Seliski Shelter, the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center, and through Support Groups, Outreach and Community Education. Our geographically assigned area covers Region 5+, which is comprised of Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, Wadena and Aitkin Counties. Although this is our assigned region, we accept anyone who comes to us for assistance.

A Legacy Of Support And Advocacy

The roots of RSA trace back to the tireless efforts of Louise Seliski, the founding mother of MMWC. While pursuing her master’s degree in social work at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Louise took on a six-month project to establish a battered women’s shelter in Crow Wing County. In 1978, her vision became a reality when she secured a grant from the Minnesota Department of Corrections, leading to the opening of the fifth battered women’s shelter in Minnesota.

MMWC was groundbreaking, becoming the first shelter in the US to allow pets. Louise recognized pets are integral to a survivor’s support system and often become secondary victims. Her advocacy extended to this unique aspect of care, earning recognition from the ASPCA. Louise’s legacy of dedication continues as she remains actively engaged with RSA staff, fostering an enduring commitment to education and community engagement about domestic violence.

Comprehensive Services For Holistic Wellness

RSA’s holistic approach to supporting domestic violence survivors includes:

1. Emergency Shelter: Providing a safe, secure environment for individuals and families escaping abuse.

2. Couns eling and Support Groups: Offering emotional support through individual counseling and group sessions.

3. Legal Advocacy: Assisting survivors with navigating the legal system is our Criminal Justice Intervention Advocate. Those services include obtaining protection orders and understanding their rights.

4. Children’s Programs: Addressing the unique needs of children who witness domestic violence with counseling and therapeutic activities.

5. Education and Outreach: Conducting community education and outreach programs to raise awareness about domestic violence and promote healthy relationships.

THE CREATION OF THE ALEX & BRANDON CHILD SAFETY CENTER

Angie Plantenberg and her sons Alex, age 5, and Brandon, age 4, had previously received services at MMWC. Angie requested supervised visits for the boys, but a Stearns County judge rejected that request. Alex and Brandon were murdered by their father in July of 1996 during an unsupervised visit.

Louise, Angie, and other supporters raised about $450,000 to build the Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center. The Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center opened in 2000 and provides a safe, secure, neutral, family-oriented space for supervised parenting time and safe exchanges of children between parents and/or caregivers. The center aims to prevent further tragedies by providing the necessary oversight and support during these critical interactions. The Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center stands as a lasting tribute to Alex and Brandon Frank, turning the pain of their loss into a mission of protection and support for other children and families. Their story continues to inspire efforts to prevent domestic violence and ensure that no other children have to suffer a similar fate.

Voted One of the

Services And Impact

1. Supervis ed Visitation: The center provides supervised visitation services, allowing non-custodial parents to visit their children in a controlled, safe environment. This supervision ensures the visits are positive experiences for the children, free from conflict or danger.

2. Safe Exchange: The center also offers safe exchange services, where children can be safely transferred between parents without direct contact between the parents, reducing the potential for conflict or violence.

3. Couns eling and Support: To support the emotional well-being of children and families, the center provides counseling services and connects families with additional resources and support networks.

4. Community Education: The Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center also plays a crucial role in educating the community about domestic violence, advocating for better protection measures for children, and promoting policies that support family safety.

Evolving To Meet Community Needs

In 2021, MMWC re-branded as the Relationship Safety Alliance to reflect the evolving demographics and needs of its clients. Our mission is to save lives by supporting the journey to well-being and empowerment of all people exposed to relationship abuse.

We have staff members who are always available to come to your events, business meetings, church gatherings etc. to further educate the community on domestic violence and our services.

Promoting Health And Wellness

The health and wellness of survivors are paramount to RSA’s mission. Collaborating with local healthcare providers ensures access to medical care, mental health support, and resources for long-term stability and independence. Empowering survivors through job training, educational opportunities, and housing support is central to RSA’s approach.

Community Collaboration

Addressing domestic violence requires a community-wide effort. RSA collaborates with local law enforcement, healthcare providers, schools, and other organizations to create a coordinated response. This network of support enhances the safety and well-being of survivors, fostering a healthier community for all.

Conclusion

The Relationship Safety Alliance in Brainerd is a vital resource for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. Through comprehensive services and a commitment to empowerment, RSA helps survivors heal and rebuild their lives. The organization’s dedication to advocacy, education, and community collaboration makes it a cornerstone in the fight against domestic violence, promoting health and wellness across the region and beyond.

The tragic deaths of Alex and Brandon Frank serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the critical importance of supervised visitation and safe exchange programs. The Alex & Brandon Child Safety Center in Brainerd, Minnesota, embodies a community’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable members and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again. Through its services and advocacy, the center honors the memory of Alex and Brandon Frank by fostering a safer, healthier environment for children and families in crisis.

RSA’s upcoming events

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. RSA will be honoring those lives that were lost in 2023 to domestic violence on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lyman P. White Park in Brainerd.

November is the start of our holiday programs that include Adopt A Family, RSA’s Giving Trees and Santa at the Shelter.

RSA will also have several fundraisers: Sept. 23 – Pizza Ranch - 5-8 p.m. Oct. 3 – Applebee’s 11 a.m.-close Oct. 15 – Prairie Bay Happy Hour for a Cause – 4:30-7 p.m.

Nov. 20 – Jack Pine Brewery – Pints for a Purpose – 5-8 p.m.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Relationship Safety Center –218-828-1216

Email – info@relationshipsafety.org Visit us on Facebook and LinkedIn