Attorney General's News Release

September 30, 2002

Revised Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence brochure out as Oct. 1 begins Family Violence Awareness Month

Jefferson City, Mo. — New information to help Missourians deal with or protect themselves against domestic violence is now available in a free 20-page brochure from Attorney General Jay Nixon. Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence available either online or in paper form, reflects recent changes in Missouri law and an increased number of shelter resources available to domestic violence victims.

"As we mark October as Family Violence Awareness Month, it's important that Missourians impacted by domestic violence know there are resources available to help them," Nixon said. "No one should have to tolerate domestic violence and abuse. The information in this brochure concisely states how the law is designed to protect them, and I encourage anyone who has an interest in stopping domestic violence to obtain a copy to be aware of recent changes in the law."

Among the changes made in the 2002 legislative session that are reflected in the new brochure is a provision that eliminates completely the filing fee for an order of protection. Previously, those seeking protective orders had to demonstrate a financial need to the court clerk to have the fee waived. Another recent change in the law also states that orders of protection issued by other states now must be enforced in Missouri.

The brochure explains what protective orders do and how to obtain them; provides a list of those counties that have victims' advocates; gives information about the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund; and includes a map showing the location of abuse shelters in Missouri.

To obtain copies of Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence, Missourians can call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222 or e-mail their name, mailing address, publication name and copies needed.

As in the past, Nixon's office also is making the brochures available at no cost to law enforcement agencies and domestic abuse shelters around the state.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818