SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – According to the Sioux Falls Police Department, domestic assaults both simple and aggravated have gone down since 2022. So far this year there have been 1,352 reports made in total.
Sam Clemens with the Sioux Falls Police Department says officers typically are called more than once in these types of cases.
“Very rarely when police are called to domestics, is that the first time that it’s happened. A lot of the time this happens repeatedly and there’s really a cycle that happens with that. We’re trying to break that cycle,” Clemens said.
Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety in Sioux Falls houses people experiencing abuse, expanded just two years ago, and went from 42 beds to now a 108 bed facility.
“If a family comes in, they have their own room and we have a bed. And then with all of our beds, they have little welcome kits. They have a towel and shampoo, conditioner, all of the things,” assistant program director for Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety Darlene Hillmer said.
The nonprofit also offers remote assistance for those seeking advice.
“Our first line of defense is that 24-hour crisis line. Somebody is always going to be on the other end answering it and be able to to help and kind of guide through that process of what someone might need,” Hillmer said.
Therapy, counseling and legal advising are free of charge to those staying at the shelter with the overall goal of finding them their own safe space.
“It’s our job to make them know that they’re not alone and it’s not their fault. And we’re here to build them back up and to help them be successful,” Hillmer said.
Hillmer says the average stay for a family or adult is about 25 days, which is longer than in past years.
If you or a family member is experiencing domestic violence you can call the crisis hotline at (605)-338-4880. For more information about the Children’s Home Society of South Dakota’s resources click here.
