Domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse can occur in any community, including small towns and rural areas. Recognizing this reality, Pipestone County Medical Center welcomes Tracee O’Grady, the Southwest Crisis Center’s regional advocate, on Wednesday, Oct. 14. O’Grady will have an information table set up just inside the main clinic entrance where she will be available from 10:30 am until 3:30 pm.
O’Grady serves individuals and families in Pipestone and Rock counties who are affected by sexual and domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and child abuse. The Southwest Crisis Center provides support, advocacy, and hope, helping individuals navigate overwhelming and difficult circumstances.
As a regional advocate, O’Grady’s work can vary from day to day. She may help someone develop a safety plan, navigate the process of obtaining a protection order, attend court proceedings, or serve as a liaison between a victim and law enforcement or county attorneys. She also connects individuals with other local agencies and resources.
But one of the most important parts of her job is simply being present.
“Most importantly, I listen, answer questions, and support their decisions,” O’Grady said.
That support can take many forms. Someone who contacts the Southwest Crisis Center may need immediate help with safety, while another person may simply need reassurance that what they experienced was not okay.
“We really let the caller determine what this looks like based on their situation and individual needs,” O’Grady said.
O’Grady also wants people to understand that abuse is not always physical. Unhealthy relationships can involve emotional abuse, controlling behaviors, and violations of personal boundaries.
One of the reasons O’Grady believes community outreach is so important is that domestic violence does not have a particular appearance or address. It can happen anywhere, including in rural communities, and the person responsible may not fit the image people expect.
For those experiencing abuse, O’Grady emphasizes that they are not alone and that seeking safety does not look the same for everyone.
“Safety looks different for each person,” she said. “Victims know their abuser better than anyone and know what will keep them safe better than anyone else.”
For friends, family members, coworkers, or anyone wondering whether a situation is serious enough to seek help, O’Grady offers a simple message: trust your instincts.
“If you’re questioning it, your instincts are likely right,” she said.
O’Grady’s visit to PCMC is an opportunity to learn more about the resources available to individuals and families in our area and to reinforce an important message: Help is available, and no one has to navigate these situations alone. Tracee can be reached at Tracee@mnswcc.org or by calling 507-825-5688.
24-hour support is also available by calling 1-507-376-4311.