About DASC

The DASC office and staff reflect a unique collaboration among law enforcement agencies and domestic abuse service providers. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office, Fourth District Court, Hennepin County Sherriff’s Department, and a range of social service organizations all have regular office hours.

Advocates from these community agencies are available:

• Asian Women United
• Esperanza United
• Division of Indian Work
• SEWA-AIFW
• Domestic Abuse Project

The staff provides culturally specific and trauma informed services. DASC has advocates that speak the following languages: English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Hindi, Newari, Nepali, Telugu, Tamil, and Sanskrit.

Central Minnesota Legal Services provides pro bono legal consultation and representation to individuals at DASC. CMLS strives to provide culturally responsive and trauma informed lawyering. Referrals for legal consultation are made by advocates.

History of DASC

In October 2019, the Domestic Abuse Service Center (DASC) celebrated its 25th anniversary. Since 1994, DASC has helped more than 1.5 million victims, filed 90,000 Orders for Protection, and charged more than 60,000 Gone on Arrivals. 

Domestic Violence During the Pandemic

Director of the Domestic Abuse Service Center DeAna Smith, spoke with the University of Minnesota School of Public Health about domestic violence during the pandemic. Listen to the podcast here.

Strong advocacy is a critical piece of effective intervention and prevention at DASC. Advocates help individuals navigate the system by filling out paperwork and filing for Orders for Protection.

Advocates can explain the civil and criminal court processes. They can help make referrals and may be able to go to court with you. They will help you develop a safety plan and explore other concerns.

If a family, household member or someone with whom you had a significant/romantic relationship has physically hurt you or threatened to physically to hurt you or your children, you can ask the court for an Order for Protection (OFP).

Advocates can help you apply for and file an OFP.

There is no fee to file an OFP.

If you want to make sure your order was served, call the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office at 612-348-3801.

An OFP can protect you by:

• Ordering the Respondent not to harm you or others listed in the order, such as children, other family members or pets
• Ordering the Respondent to stay away from your home and areas specified in the order, such as your place of work, school, daycare or other locations
• Ordering the Respondent to not contact you in person, over the phone, by mail, email or electronic messaging, through a third party, or by any other means such as social media

Additional information about OFPs from District Court.

The safety of staff and visitors is taken very seriously. A Hennepin County Sheriff’s deputy is always on site to provide security.

If needed, safety escorts are provided.

Advocates can provide referrals to housing resources and emergency shelter.

If you are in need of emergency shelter or crisis support after hours, please contact Day One via phone at 1-866-223-1111 or text at 612-399-9995.

Domestic abuse impacts entire families. DASC was designed with families in mind.

There is a playroom so children can accompany their parent/guardian to the center and have a safe, age-appropriate place to wait.

Staff can also provide referrals to agencies that specialize in children and family services.

DASC has advocates that speak the following languages:

• English
• Spanish
• Hmong
• Somali
• Hindi
• Newari
• Nepali
• Telugu
• Tamil
• Sanskrit

Additional interpreters are provided if needed.

Laws, Rules & Resources on Domestic Abuse & Harassment

Minnesota’s Domestic Abuse Act (statute 518B.01) Sec. 518B.01 MN Statutes

Minnesota’s Harassment Restraining Order (statute 609.748) Sec. 609.748 MN Statutes