Eastern Iowa ‘souper bowls’ raise money for domestic violence organizations

Every day more than 20,000 phone calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines around the nation, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. To support those hotlines and services provided to victims of domestic abuse, domestic violence organizations need funding.

Two local organizations, the Domestic Violence Intervention Program in Iowa City and Amani Community Services in Cedar Rapids, are hosting souper bowl fundraisers in February.

'This is a very critical time for us,' said Tiffany Flowers, assistant director of Amani Community Services, a culturally specific domestic violence and sexual assault agency that serves African Americans in Black Hawk and Linn counties.

Amani Event

Amani hosts its first-ever souper bowl on Feb. 16 at World Class Graphics in Cedar Rapids. Tickets are $5 for unlimited soup, of which there will be multiple varieties, including some donated from Parlor City Pub & Eatery and Capriatti's Sandwich shop, Flowers said.

All proceeds go to Amani's services for African American victims of domestic violence, including emergency shelter, transportation, food donation, counseling, outreach, advocacy and children's programs.

Meanwhile, this will be DVIP's 20th annual souper bowl, which has served upward of 500 guests in years past and is expecting a similar turnout for this year's event on Feb. 2 at the Clarion Highlander Hotel and Conference Center in Iowa City.

DVIP Event

At DVIP's souper bowl, a $25 ticket — $15 for students and free for kids younger than 12 — buys a unique bowl to keep and unlimited access to 35 different soups and breads donated from area restaurants, including Nodo, Basta, 30hop, the Cottage bakery, Atlas, New Pioneer Co-op and others.

Last year, DVIP raised $18,000 between ticket sales and sponsorships, said Missie Forbes, DVIP's development director. Proceeds support the agency's services, including immediate and long-term support and advocacy for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and human trafficking in eight counties in Iowa: Cedar, Johnson, Iowa, Washington, Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Van Buren. Last year DVIP assisted approximately 9,000 people, Forbes estimated.

In addition to a 24/7 crisis line, the agency also provides emergency shelter for those left homeless from domestic violence, legal and medical advocacy and education and outreach throughout their service area.

Raising awareness

Both souper bowls are not only an opportunity to raise money for these organizations, but also a way to raise awareness and advocacy about domestic violence in the community.

'Domestic violence is not a fun topic, but this is a fun way to educate the community,' Forbes said, adding that some don't realize how pervasive domestic violence is.

One in three women and one in four men will become the victim of domestic violence in their lifetime, according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence statistics.

'It can happen to anyone,' Forbes said. 'Abusers are clever and can be very charming. It happens over time and suddenly you're in the thick of it without even realizing. You might see red flags but when you're in love with someone, you can explain things away.' Domestic violence often happens in cycles. Abusers can be loving and caring, then abusive when tension arises. Then it starts again, Forbes said. When victims realize what's happening, they can become embarrassed and avoid reaching out. They may lack support from family and friends — if they know at all — or may feel unsafe trying to escape.

In fact, the two weeks after leaving are 'probably the most dangerous time' for victims, Forbes said.

'It can be really nuanced,' said Heather Van Raden, a client advocacy services coordinator at DVIP. Victims often have financial ties to their abuser such as shared bank accounts, phone lines, houses and cars, or they have children together, which can 'all be hard to untangle,' Van Raden said.

'The legal system is really not set up to support victims,' she added.

'People need support to navigate the system,' Flowers said, which is why organizations like these are needed.

'They need to have someone that can help take away some of that pressure and help gain self esteem and personal sense of power, especially when they've been isolated for such a long time,' she added.

By coming out and supporting organizations like these, the community is showing victims and survivors that they support them, Forbes said.

'One year, one of our survivors walked in and saw the 400 plus people there and broke down crying,' Forbes said. 'She couldn't believe she wasn't alone.'

IF YOU GO

What: 20th Annual Domestic Violence Intervention Program Souper Bowl

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2

Where: Clarion Highlander Hotel and Conference Center, 2525 N. Dodge St., Iowa City

Cost: $25 for adults, $15 for students, free for kids younger than 12

Details: All proceeds support DVIP's services for domestic abuse victims and survivors in the eight counties they serve. Ticket purchase includes a unique bowl to take home, as well as an all-you-care-to-eat soup and bread supper with 35 different soups donated from area restaurants. Tickets can be purchased online at dvipiowa.org, at Fired Up Iowa City and Hills Bank in Coralville, Gilbert Street and the Old Capital Mall.

What: Amani Community Services Souper Bowl

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16

Where: World Class Graphics, 883 Shaver Road NE, Cedar Rapids

Cost: $5

Details: All proceeds support Amani's services for African American victims and survivors of domestic abuse in Black Hawk and Linn counties. Ticket purchase includes unlimited soup in a variety of flavors. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com.

l Comments: (319) 398-8364; elizabeth.zabel@thegazette.com