Police partner with 360 Communities to spread anti-violence message

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The Rosemount Police Department and 360 Communities work together to help victims of domestic violence. It’s an important partnership that they want to make sure people know about.

To help get the word out, the two organizations have partnered to create several public service announcements. The videos detail the partnership and share information on the resources available to victims.

“We want to help survivors,” said Tony Compton, 360 Communities’ marketing and communications director.

360 Communities runs the Lewis House, a shelter for domestic abuse victims. The Rosemount Police Department, as well as other law enforcement agencies in Dakota County, works closely with the shelter to ensure the safety of victims and to provide them ongoing resources.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the videos were made as an effort to raise awareness. The first of two videos features Rosemount Police Chief Eric Werner. It has been released and can be viewed on YouTube. A second video with Rosemount Community Resources Officer Beth Richtsmeier will be released at a later date.

In his video, Werner talks about domestic violence and its effects. He also talks about the challenges law enforcement faces when it comes to domestic violence. Werner said his intent in doing the videos was to make sure victims know they are supported.

As the community resources officer, Richtsmeier is the department’s advocate for domestic violence victims. Richtsmeier said she checks in with victims after an incident and makes sure they know about the resources available to them, including those offered by 360 Communities.

Richtsmeier, who also works in the schools, said she also tries to build relationships with children and teach them that violence is not a good option. She said when children witness violence in their homes, they learn the behavior.

“We try to break the cycle,” said Richtsmeier.

Typically, Richtsmeier said, the Rosemount Police Department responds to at least one case of domestic violence a week. She added that anyone can be affected by domestic violence.

“No one’s immune to it,” said Richtsmeier.

In her video, Richtsmeier talks more about the specific services the Rosemount Police Department offers to victims.

Tags: news, rosemount, community, crime