Family Violence

The Family Violence Center, Inc.

If your partner is violent and you are afraid, you are NOT alone.

Each year the Family Violence Center helps thousands of women and children by providing shelter and other services

24 HOUR HOTLINE
417-864-SAFE
1-800-831-6863
BUSINESS OFFICE
417-837-7700

If you or someone you care about is a victim of domestic violence, please read this helpful information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is domestic violence really such a big problem?

  • In this country, a woman is more likely to be assaulted, injured, raped or killed by a male partner than by any other type of assailant.

  • Domestic violence is believed to be the most common yet least reported crime in our nation.

  • An estimated 3 to 4 million American women are beaten each year by their husbands or partners.

  • Wife-beating results in more injuries that require medical treatment than rape, auto accidents, and muggings combined.

  • Each year, more than 1,000 women or about 4 women per day are killed by their husbands or partners. Domestic Violence is indeed a serious national problem that affects not only individual victims, but the entire community as well.

Doesn't she sometimes provoke the beating?

  • It is possible to provoke anger in someone else, and how they express that anger is the responsibility of the violent person.

  • Batterers often claim she did something to cause the beating. This takes the responsibility for the action off of him.

Aren't there also "battered husbands?"

  • Yes, for every battered husband there are at least ten battered women.

  • Battered women receive greater physical injury. A man`s physical size and strength produce an advantage.

What can I do if I know of someone who is being abused?

  • Let her know it is okay to talk about it, that you believe her and you will not be judgmental or blame her for the abuse.

  • Never condone the abuse. Let her know that it is never okay for someone to beat another person.

  • Let her know you are concerned for her safety. Tell her where she can go to get help.

Services

CRISIS HOTLINE is maintained 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained staff and volunteers. Call for information about domestic violence and our other services, referrals, and/or shelter. 834-safe (7233)

SUPPORT GROUPS meet twice each week for resident and non-resident women dealing with the issues of domestic violence. Women interested should call the hotline for information on how to attend.

EMERGENCY SHELTER is the most critical service available for battered women and their children. Our shelter, Harmony House, offers a safe and supportive environment while women work to establish abuse-free lives.

WOMEN`S PROGRAM advocates provide crises intervention, support, information on community resources and case management to obtain medical, legal, psychological, educational, vocational and housing assistance. Educational and self-help groups are offered to provide tools to obtain self-sufficiency.

CHILDREN`S PROGRAM provides support to help children deal with their own abuse, and their violent home environment, as well as parenting skills classes for mothers and childcare services.

ABC`S & 123`S classroom offers mothers the option of having their Kindergarten through fifth grade children attend school in a classroom setting in the safety and security of our shelter facility.

COURT ADVOCATE provides assistance and support for victims filing orders of protection, attending the full order hearing and discussing legal remedies for abuse. Call the business office at 837-7700 or ask at the time you file the order if a court advocate volunteer is available to assist you.

THRIFT STORE Harmony`s Closet located at 607 E. Madison is open to the public-all proceeds support our agency and shelter residents receive vouchers for needed items. To donate, call 864-4260

COMMUNITY EDUCATION Speakers provide education on agency services, domestic violence and victim sensitivity to community groups, classrooms, professionals, etc. Call 837-7700.

Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Does your partner?

  • withhold approval, or affection as punishment

  • continually criticize you, call you names or shout at you

  • ignore your feelings

  • become very jealous-harass you about imagined affairs

  • manipulate you with lies and contradictions

  • insist you dress a certain way

  • humiliate you in private or public

  • insult or drive away friends or family

  • take car keys or money away

  • lock you out of the house

  • abuse your pets to hurt you

  • punch, shove, slap, bite, kick, strangle or hit you

  • rape you or force you to participate in sexual activity which is unacceptable to you

  • threaten to kidnap the children, commit suicide or kill you or family members if you leave.

 

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