Welcome to the 2025 May issue of Volunteer Voices, a monthly newsletter for current and potential Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) volunteers.
In this Issue:
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Hello! My name is Sandra McGovern, and I’m honored to serve as the operations manager for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS). In my role, I work behind the scenes to support our incredible programs through administrative functions; data analytics; and management, process improvement, and strategic planning. By ensuring our systems run smoothly and our data tells the full story of our impact, I help our teams—and all of you—focus on what matters most: supporting survivors and promoting safety and healing in our community.
Before joining DSVS in November 2024, I spent 25 years in call center and healthcare leadership roles, focusing on operations, data analytics, and improving both employee and client experiences. This background has equipped me with a deep understanding of how to drive organizational effectiveness, streamline processes, and support teams, while always keeping people and compassion at the center of the work.
Volunteers are essential to everything we do. You extend our reach, provide critical support, and bring compassion and care to survivors at some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Your time, energy, and presence help create a stronger, more responsive support system, and we’re so grateful for all that you do.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time in nature, studying behavioral economics, and diving into creative projects like digital art and crafting guided meditation experiences. These outlets allow me to explore ways of bringing beauty, peace and a sense of calm into everyday life--for myself and others.
Thank you for being such a vital part of the DSVS mission. I look forward to continuing this important work alongside you!
Sandra McGovern
Operations Manager
The importance of self-care has never been more evident. Recent surveys have found more people are recognizing the important link between self-care and mental health. This points to one fact: Self-care should no longer be thought of as a luxury; it is essential for managing mental health and maintaining a sense of balance and well-being. While we can't predict the future, we can certainly share some emerging trends in self-care that might continue to grow and evolve. Check out these 10.
Domestic violence can impact anyone. But the challenges people living with disabilities and experiencing domestic violence face can be atypical. It’s important to know the specific challenges they face, why it’s important to understand their experiences, and ways to help.
Comprehensive data of sexual and domestic violence among Asian Americans can be difficult to capture as Asian Americans are commonly undercounted by Census data and underrepresented in studies on domestic and sexual violence. Researchers have also found that Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women who experience violence are more likely to seek support from community rather than formal authorities, meaning traditional methods of data collection undercount the true number of AAPI victims and families impacted. Learn more about the connection between Asian Americans and interpersonal violence.
In honor of Mother’s Day, we invite you to watch “If I Should Have a Daughter,” spoken word poet Sarah Kay’s story of her metamorphosis from wide-eyed teenager soaking in verse at New York's Bowery Poetry Club to a teacher connecting kids with the power of self-expression through Project V.O.I.C.E.
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“If you don’t have any charity in your heart you have the worst kind of heart trouble.”–Bob Hope
Domestic Violence Action Center Partnerships — Shelter Options
The Domestic Violence Action Center, or DVAC, partners with Shelter House and Bethany House to provide a secure environment, including advocacy, emotional support, case management, court accompaniment, financial assistance, and transportation assistance, to victims of domestic violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Learn more about shelter options.
Each newsletter will include this section to help share reviews, spotlight the people who support Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, recognize birthdays and list upcoming trainings and meetings.
Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ podcast, Unscripted: Conversations about Sexual and Domestic Violence, is real talk on tough topics! Stay in the know with these biweekly discussions. If you have ideas for topics you’d like to hear addressed on Unscripted, email them to DSVS’ communications specialist Kendra Lee.
Netflix’s “American Nightmare” Proves Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Might Not Be the Only Things That Cause Bad Dreams -2.png)
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Katrina Hush and Audrey Arnold work the resource table at the Commission for Women’s Annual Women’s History Month Breakfast in March.