Maria’s Legacy: Our Impact

When Maria’s life was taken by domestic violence in 2020, we made it our mission to prevent others from experiencing the same tragedy. Maria’s Voice is dedicated to educating everyone—because awareness saves lives.

Abusers make choices that violate their intimate partners and harm entire communities. These behaviors devastate victims, overburden healthcare systems, law enforcement, and shelters, and shatter the safety of children. By naming these behaviors and recognizing them early, people can avoid dangerous relationships or exit safely before violence escalates.

Educating EVERYONE to know the signs creates a safety zone around family, friends, and coworkers—empowering communities to take action before harm occurs.

2024 Community Impact: Education

480+K people were reached with domestic violence prevention education in 2024: That’s more than the entire population of Minneapolis!

16 community and resource guide ads helped amplify our message, ensuring that prevention education reached even more households and workplaces.
4 newsletters and 4 newspaper articles spotlighted domestic violence prevention and the work of Maria’s Voice. Public awareness grew as our story was shared in print and online.
1 billboard on Highway 694 made a bold statement, reminding thousands of drivers every day to “Know the Signs” and take action.
1 Fifth Annual Tribute to Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month brought together survivors, families, and advocates in a powerful moment of reflection and action.

From community events to workplace trainings, Maria’s Voice reached more people than ever before.
365+ social media posts sparked conversations and empowered our growing community to take action. Our message spread far and wide, engaging new voices and strengthening our impact.
41 speaking events and trainings brought domestic violence prevention education to key leaders, organizations, and the public. Attendees walked away with the knowledge to help create safe homes and healthy relationships.
26 community events and expos buzzed with activity. Our booth was a hub of energy at safety expos, kids’ camps, and farmers markets across the Metro. Families stopped by to learn, kids eagerly engaged with Rocky, and survivors found a place where their voices were heard and valued.

2024 Impact: The Power of Collaboration

15 cities took a stand, actively engaging in prevention efforts and community outreach. From city councils to local businesses, partners across the region joined forces with Maria’s Voice.
7,500+ employees received workplace education, equipping them with the tools to recognize and prevent domestic violence.
34,000 parishioners heard messages of hope and prevention, reinforcing the role faith communities play in creating safer homes and neighborhoods.
From law enforcement to healthcare professionals, businesses to faith communities, the network of support continued to grow. City leaders, victim advocates, social workers, and nonprofits came together, united in the mission to prevent domestic violence before it starts.
An historic State Proclamation from the Minnesota Governor’s Office officially recognized the first Domestic Violence Awareness & Prevention Month—an important step toward lasting change.

2024 And Beyond: Innovation

2 National Purple Ribbon Awards honored Maria’s Voice for groundbreaking innovation in adult and kids’ education programs.
2 new multilingual resources—Hmong and Russian “shoe cards”—provided discreet access to help for more communities.
2 simplified Power & Control Wheels in English and Spanish ensured accessibility for those seeking to understand abuse dynamics and take steps toward safety.
2 new awareness materials—a set of engaging coloring books and additional help resources in English & Spanish—expanded education for families and young learners.
2 new programs launched: Awareness Education and "What to Say to Safely Help," empowering individuals with the right words and actions to support those in need.

2023 Community Impact!

Almost 100,000 People Directly Educated.

That’s the attendance at the Minnesota State Fair on August 24,2023!

24 community events: Our Expo Booth buzzed at Community, Business and Safety Expos; Kids Safety camps and Farmers Markets across the Metro; and city gathering spots.
30 Presentations: State, city, county, legal, medical, legislative, community leaders, decision makers and influencers heard Maria’s Voice presentations.
130 Facebook Posts: Domestic violence prevention education messages reached about 28,700 people.
Social Media reach from Maria’s Voice increased 66% in 2023. Our followers interacted with us 78% more than in 2022!