Wendy Harper/MDN Tara Bjornson, assistant director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, and Jill McDonald, executive director, are shown at the center Tuesday, Oct. 29.

Assistant Director Tara Bjornson of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center in Minot, said people often misunderstand what violence looks like.

“Domestic violence is a pattern of control,” she said. “Violence, intimidation, financial abuse, using children, manipulation — all of it is about keeping someone compliant. It’s not always about visible injuries. It’s about power.”

Executive Director Jill McDonald said survivors often carry invisible wounds.

“We learned quickly that justice doesn’t always happen in the courtroom,” she said. “People lose their community, their faith, their identity. Our work is helping them rebui

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