Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Please take a moment to visit our Virtual Memory Wall.   This page stands as a memorial to those who have lost their lives due to relationship violence in 2020.

Live Q&A with Lori Quist, Director of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services

Lori Quist, director of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, has been with Family Pathways since March of 2019.  In her early 20’s, Lori began working as a dispatcher for Pine County.  Lori holds a degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Addiction Studies.  Her career spans 25 years in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, criminal justice, and social service.  Lori grew up in Forest Lake and now resides in Chisago, enjoying time with her 6 children and 4 grandchildren.  Her dedication to Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services at Family Pathways has changed lives for the better.  Lori feels deeply that this work is important because it gives victims and survivors a voice, support, and someone who really cares about their tomorrow.

Did you miss the live stream?  You can still watch by clicking here!

Watch this short video to learn about our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocates. These dedicated individuals work in our communities and at the Family Pathways Emergency Shelter, making sure that all of our clients have what they need as they take steps toward safety and freedom.  Watch here or on our Facebook Page.

For victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, taking the first steps toward safety can be intimidating. Learn what to expect when you make that first phone call or arrive at the Family Pathways shelter. Watch here or on our Facebook Page.

Our work to help those who have been the victims of domestic violence or sexual assault would not be possible without your support.  Here’s how you can help.

• Donate
  • In addition to funds, our shelter is always in need of donations of cleaning products, toiletries, laundry soaps, feminine hygiene products, clothing, diapers, and new underwear (in a package) in various sizes. Many of our clients come to us with nothing but the clothes on their back, and are in need of the everyday things we often take for granted. Donations can be dropped off at our North Branch Office: 6413 Oak Street, North Branch, MN 55056

Donate Funds Today

• Volunteer
  • Volunteers are needed to answer phones and questions for our domestic violence program or at our main office, plan and/or help organize special events and fundraisers, and visit with older adults to keep them from being isolated.  For information on these and many other volunteer opportunities, click here.

• Educate yourself and others
  • How to Talk to a Friend or Family Member Experiencing Abuse

  • Friends & Family Guide: How to Help Someone in an Abusive Relationship

  • How’s Your Relationship: Conversations With Someone About Their Abusive Behavior

  • If you are an employee, does your workplace provide materials at the front desk or in the bathroom? Does your workplace have domestic violence and safety policies in place for employees experiencing abuse? Visit www.workplacesrespond.org to find more information on how you can take action at work.
  • If you are a parent, attend a school board meeting and ask questions. Schools have protocols for active shooters, but do they have protocols for responding to domestic and sexual violence? What happens when a student experiences domestic or sexual violence? Or faculty? Or staff? Children are screened for early childhood education, but are they screened for exposure to violence?
  • If you are a member of a faith community or a faith leader, you can promote education and resources to proactively address relationship abuse and to respond to both victim-survivors and people who are abusive. Some faith communities create taskforces of volunteers to help develop programming to address abuse and support survivors in their community.
  • If you identify as a man or masculine person, connect with the Men and Masculine Folks Network and learn more about the role you can play in the movement to end relationship abuse.
  • Contact your local representatives to ask what steps they are taking to end domestic violence in our communities.  You can find their contact information here: www.usa.gov/elected-officials