By Christina Fernández-Morrow
The Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) held its inaugural RAD Run 5K on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Water Works Park in Des Moines. The community celebration honored four decades of life-saving work and drew attention to the urgent need to address domestic violence, particularly in Latino and Hispanic communities.
A First for ICADV
RAD Run was ICADV’s first-ever 5K event, organized as part of the group’s 40th anniversary celebration. Founded in 1985, ICADV has built a statewide network of 23 victim service providers, connecting survivors with critical assistance and advocating for systemic change across the state.
“Under our executive director’s leadership, Dr. Maria Corona, ICADV has been intentional about creating events that are more accessible and connected to the community,” said Lindsay Pingel, Director of Community Engagement. “We wanted a fun, inclusive way to recognize four decades of our programming and impact on survivors across Iowa.” The 1980s theme reflected the coalition’s founding decade, blending nostalgia with a call to action for continued progress.
Strong Turnout and Community Support
More than 350 participants laced up for the run, a strong turnout that organizers framed as a visible demonstration of solidarity. The event featured food trucks, live music, awards, and activities for all ages and abilities, underscoring ICADV’s commitment to inclusivity.
Community partners helped power the RAD Run, including Iowa Credit Union Foundation, Raygun, Hy-Vee, Ben Lynch Law, Broadlawns Foundation, Fleet Feet Des Moines, QuikTrip, Polk County Supervisors and The Business Record.
Domestic Violence in Latino Communities
The urgency behind events like the RAD Run is clear. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that nearly half of homicides involving Latinas were committed by an intimate partner. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey found that 34.4% of Latinas experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Many of those cases go unreported.
Immigration status only compounds vulnerability. Research from Esperanza United (formerly the National Latino Alliance for the Elimination of Domestic Violence) shows nearly half of Latina survivors surveyed reported that abusers often use immigration status as a tool for control, threatening survivors with deportation to prevent them from leaving or seeking help. Immigrant survivors may be less likely to call the police due to anti-immigrant policies and fear related to immigration enforcement.
Honoring Victims with Tradition
Even as the RAD Run celebrated progress, ICADV carves out space for remembrance. On Oct. 18, 2025, the coalition will host its fifth annual Día de los Muertos Tribute at the Iowa State Capitol, displaying an altar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to honor those who have lost their lives to domestic violence and other violent crimes. The event is free and “attendees are encouraged to bring a photograph of their loved ones to honor their memory,” said Pingel.
How to Take Action
As Iowa recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, ICADV will share stories of impact across its social media channels. Survivors or friends seeking support can contact the statewide call center at 1-800-770-1650, text “iowahelp” to 20121, or visit icadv.org. All services are free and confidential.
Support is also available through local and regional service providers, including:
- Iowa Domestic Abuse Hotline: (800) 373-1043
- Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) – Iowa City area
- Family Resources – Quad Cities
- Waypoint Services – Cedar Rapids and surrounding communities
- Catholic Charities – Council Bluffs area
Anyone wishing to support survivors can donate, volunteer or advocate alongside these agencies and ICADV. Together, their efforts build safer communities statewide.
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