Protection Orders
What is a protection order?
It is a VALUABLE LEGAL TOOL that can help you if you are experiencing abuse.
Personal experience note from a VOICES Committee member:
We know that a protection order is not going to create a magic force field around you. My personal experience was that it was a solid piece of evidence that showed the courts that I was doing everything that I could to protect myself from my abuser. I was laying a solid foundation of information and evidence and that would help protect me in the future court dealings that I had with him.
If you are a victim of abuse/ assault and would like to have an order of protection in place you will first apply for an ex parte. An ex parte is a temporary order that is put into place temporarily until evidence can be presented to the court at a later date to explain the need for a full order of protection (SHOULD WE PUT IN HERE HOW LONG THEY EXTEND?) . An ex parte can be requested at any time, even in emergency situations and after regular business hours. Once the ex parte is granted you will be given a court date that you will be required to attend, it is important that you understand that your abuser will be asked to appear there as well. This is a great time to rely on the services that we offer for victims in our area (SHOULD WE LINK RESOURCES HERE?)
Things that helped me to prepare for those court dates:
I kept a journal of all the things that I felt were important to let the judge know about my abuse. I saved copies of text messages, police calls for help, and my call logs. I took screen shots and printed copies of everything that I had to document his harassment and abuse. I made multiple copies and kept them in order so I could show the judge what all I had experienced with my abuser.
I went to the courthouse prior to my scheduled date, I familiarized myself with the route, the parking lot and general surrounding so I would know where I was going on the day of my hearing.
I would show up to court early so I could park and make it into the designated area early.
I had people come with me, a second set of eyes was always reassuring and helped make me feel safer.
When your hearing is over and you have been dismissed by the judge you can request an escort to your car. This is especially helpful if you feel that your abuser may approach you after the hearing.
If there is anything that we as survivors can stress to you it is that whatever route that you decide to take in this situation please remember that this is only a single step in protecting yourself. There are many other options available to you that will help you protect yourself. If you are granted the order it can be a great benefit, but if you are not then know that not all hope is lost. You are not alone in this and this is not the only option for protection.
Greene County, MO - Information Regarding The Filing of an Adult / Child Order of Protection
Custody Orders
In Missouri here is information about how to apply for custody orders.
Report child abuse and/or neglect
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Support in Greene County, MO
Addiction Services
Grupo Latinoamericano - request translation support for court from Spanish to English
Medical Services (if you have health insurance, call the number on the back of your card to see where you can receive in-network service)
Mental Health Services (if you have health insurance, call the number on the back of your card to see where you can receive in-network service)
Family Justice Center clients can receive immediate referrals to Burrell support.
Dental Services (if you have dental insurance, call the number on the back of your card to see where you can receive in-network service)
For those without insurance, many medical, dental and other services can be accessed at Jordan Valley Community Health Center.
Nutritional support for children 5 and under- WIC
Career support services - Missouri Job Center
Legal aid for those with very limited income - Legal Aid of Southwest Missouri
Survivors of domestic and sexual violence do not have to meet income eligibility requirements.
Separate from Abuser on Wireless Phone Plan
Support for Survivors who Rent
Call and make an appointment at the Greene County Family Justice Center (FJC). There are some services available for some survivors who rent.
What should I expect when I go to court?
Some advice from a local VOICES Committee Member:
I went to the courthouse prior to my scheduled date, I familiarized myself with the route, the parking lot and general surrounding so I would know where I was going on the day of my hearing.
I would show up to court early so I could park and make it into the designated area early.
I had people come with me, a second set of eyes was always reassuring and helped make me feel safer.
If you need help finding someone to go with you, you may email Harmony House.
When your hearing is over and you have been dismissed by the judge you can request an escort to your car. This is especially helpful if you feel that your abuser may approach you after the hearing.
What does it mean to "document everything?"
In the event that you need to file for a protective order, divorce, child custody or press charges against an abuser, it will be important for the incidents of abuse to be documented. You will need to determine for yourself the best and safest way to document incidents. Some ways you might try this could include:
Using a VPN to protect your computer identity
Opening a new email address (with a free domain like Gmail) that the abuser does not have access to
Using a computer at a local library
Completing incident reports with the police department (keep the case number and officer name on file for when you need it)
Open a safety deposit box in your name at a bank you do not already use
Rent a storage unit to keep evidence away from the abuser
If you co-parent with your abuser, you can use Our Family Wizard as a communication device (can be better than text or email), as well as use it to document children's schedules and expenses.
Use an app to document photos, documents and other important evidence
What is Safe at Home?
Since 2007, the Safe at Home address confidentiality program has helped survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, stalking, or other crimes who fear future harm in their efforts to stay safe by providing a designated address to use when creating new public records. These services help keep survivors’ confidential addresses out of the hands of their assailants.
"The Safe at Home address confidentiality program helps protect victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, or other crimes who fear for their safety, as well as the safety of individuals residing in the same household as the victim, by authorizing the use of a designated address for such victims, their minor children, and individuals residing with them. In addition, the program allows participants to use the designated address on new records created by government agencies and the courts. Examples of new records include:
Driver’s license, non-driver’s license and vehicle registration
Voter registration
Public school records
Social services records for food stamps, cash assistance, child support, WIC, etc.
Public library cards
City or county records
Law enforcement and court records
Government agencies and the courts must accept the substitute address of a participant in place of a home, work, school or mailing address. Participants may have their first-class mail, legal mail and certified mail sent to the substitute address, and then the secretary of state's office will forward the mail to the participant’s confidential mailing address at no cost to the participant.
Safe at Home may be right for:
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, rape or other crimes.
Victims of crime who have recently relocated or are planning to relocate because they fear future harm.
Individuals who understand that Safe at Home is one piece of a comprehensive safety plan.
Residents of Missouri."
Helpful resources
