History
Created to Address a Critical Unmet Need
The Saint Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (SPIP) is a non-profit, grassroots, community-based organization founded in 1984 to assist victims of domestic violence.
We grew from a cooperative community group's finding that "intervention by the criminal justice system was a critical, unmet need in our community."
In response, SPIP began providing direct services to victims while working with the criminal justice system to change its response to domestic abuse. Our success stems from the belief that victims and their children have the right to be safe in their own homes and communities, and that in order to be effective vital services must be brought directly to the victims.
Sustaining Progress
We have remained faithful to our roots and the needs of victims, growing from within and steadily rising-up to meet the challenges around us.
SPIP has been instrumental in mobilizing the public’s response to domestic violence, leading nationally respected policy reform, building public awareness, broadening services, and developing vigorous diverse outreach to communities.
This growth could not have happened without the support of our community. Today, approximately 10,000 people affected by abuse receive assistance on SPIP’s 24-hour crisis line, and over 6,200 victims and their children receive direct services each year from St. Paul & Ramsey County Domestic Abuse Intervention Project.
Creating a Safer Future
Strengthening Connections
Our focus remains on the needs and safety of the people we serve. We bring multi-cultural/lingual services directly to victims, educate the community on the dynamics of domestic violence and how to access help, and strengthen the response of public systems. We create deeply rooted, symbiotic partnerships within the community that work to create a society that will no longer tolerate violence against any of its members.
Expansive Circle of Support
This effort requires many strong voices, compassionate spirits and compelling actions. Our staff, board, and volunteers reflect the diversity of the community we serve. Many who have been touched by domestic violence in their own lives. Just as domestic violence effects people from all walks of lives, so do we —those who propose to end the violence and seek to support our courageous sisters and brothers.
Shaping a Brighter Future
Collaboration is at the very heart of our agency. Working jointly with colleagues in the field, government, public and private institutions and committed members of our community broadens our perspective, enriches our resources, generates ideas, and expands services. Our collective impact generates long-term social and system change to end domestic violence.