NCJ Number
215067
Date Published
October 2005
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This booklet provides guidance on how victims of domestic violence in Missouri can receive support services and protection from further abuse.
Abstract
The booklet first presents an overview of protective orders. Missouri law authorizes courts to issue orders of protection, which are intended to protect victims of abuse and persons threatened with abuse. Through these orders, judges can require an accused abuser to stop abusing, stalking, or harassing a victim and stay away from the victim. Types of orders of protection are explained, and procedures are described for filing for an order and serving notice to an accused abuser. A separate section of the booklet explains how protective orders are enforced. The booklet then lists victim advocates--individuals who are trained to help crime victims--by county and agency, along with their phone numbers. Abuse victims are instructed in how to access shelter services that can both protect them and provide guidance for how to deal with their situation. The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic Violence acts as a clearinghouse of information and technical assistance for domestic violence shelters and other community domestic violence programs in the State. A map shows the cities with shelters for abuse victims. Since domestic violence victims may be eligible for financial compensation from the State's Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, the booklet explains the purpose of the fund and eligibility requirements.