Domestic Violence

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Domestic Violence Is A Crime!

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Domestic violence includes causing physical harm or threatening physical harm, use of force to coerce you to do or not to do something, verbal abuse, and sexual abuse of any family member or intimate partner.

If You Are Assaulted

• Go to a safe place.
• Call 911 immediately.
• Don't move or disturb anything in the area where the assault occurred. The deputies/detectives may want to take photos of the scene for evidence.
• If needed, go to a hospital emergency department for medical care.

Remember:

• You are NOT the cause of someone else's abusive behavior.
• You do NOT deserve to be abused.
• You DO have the right to expect and demand help and respect.
• You DO have the right to think, feel, and make choices and changes!

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• The National Domestic Violence Hotline
• The Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence

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Safe Shelter

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If you feel you are being abused physically, mentally, verbally, or sexually, call the Shelter at 875-1370 (or toll free 1-800-548-2480 in Missouri) for information on what you can do to stop the abuse and to get away from the abuser.

You will be able to get information free of charge on housing, financial aid, medical aid, and counseling services.

You do not have to give your name to the person you talk to, and all information you give over the phone at this number is confidential.

The Shelter offers free confidential services to:

• Victims of Domestic Violence
• Adult victims of abuse/assault and sexual assault
• Adult survivors of incest
• Child victims of physical and sexual abuse

Services offered include:

• Temporary safe place to stay for women and children who are in immediate danger.
• 24-hour hotline (1-800-548-2480) for victims to call for information and emotional support.
• Support group with weekly meeting and free childcare during the meetings.
• Court advocates who help women complete a petition for an order of protection and accompany them through court proceedings.
• Professional counseling.
• Advocates who accompany women through a sexual assault exam and subsequent court proceedings.

Area served: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Chariton, Cooper, Howard, Montgomery, Randolph, and Saline Counties

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Order of Protection

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An order of protection can help to protect yourself or your children from someone who is abusing or harassing you. It can help set limits by requiring the abuser to stay away from you or your home. A protection order can send a strong message to the abuser letting the abuser know that abusive behavior is not acceptable, and it is illegal.

An ex parte order may:

• Order the accused abuser not to abuse, threaten to abuse, molest, stalk, or disturb your peace.
• Order the accused abuser not to enter the premises of your home.
• Make a temporary order of custody of minor children.
• Order specific personal property and effects to be turned over to you.

Filing an order of protection:

• You do not need an attorney.
• You do need an accurate residence or employer address for the person who assaulted you.
• You do need to bring a picture of your abuser if possible.
• You do need a description of the abuser's car.
• You are not required to pay an advanced filing fee in order to file. The court will decide at the end of the full order hearing.

You can file an order of protection 24 hours a day against the person who is abusing you. The Boone County Circuit Clerk's office (located at Courthouse) provides orders of protection during business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Shelter offers emergency orders of protection when the Clerk's office is closed. An advocate from The Shelter is available to assist you in filling out an order of protection. Call 875-1369 for information.

IF YOUR ABUSER VIOLATES AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, YOU SHOULD CALL THE POLICE (911).

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Contact Information

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Law Enforcement & Emergency Response

Local Law Enforcement Agency Administrative Phone Numbers

True North

P.O. Box 1367
Columbia, Missouri 65203-1367
(573) 875-1370 or (573) 875-1369
Toll free 800-548-2480 in Missouri

D.O.V.E. Prosecutors

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Additional Resources

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Emergency Housing

Health Services

Legal Aid

Other Services

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