Attorney General's News Release

February 7, 2008

Nixon releases revised brochure on laws, resources, shelter locations to help domestic violence victims

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 is available either online or in paper form. It explains Missouri’s laws on the subject, including recent changes, and provides a list of shelters and other resources available to domestic violence victims.

“Missourians impacted by domestic violence need to know that our state is here to help them,” Nixon said. “No one should have to tolerate abuse. This brochure concisely states how Missouri law is designed to protect these victims, with the goal of letting them know they are not alone in this battle.”

Among recent changes in state law is the right to know when an alleged abuser has been served with a restraining order. In another change from 2007, the Missouri legislature created the Safe at Home program, which allows victims of abuse and stalking to establish a post office box with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, so that their physical addresses remain confidential.

The brochure explains what protective orders do and how to obtain them; provides a list of counties that have victims’ advocates; gives information about the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund; includes a map showing the location of abuse shelters in Missouri; and gives instructions for signing up for the Safe at Home program.

Missourians can order Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence online at ago.mo.gov or by calling Nixon’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222.

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

Download "Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence," pdf format

Order free copies of "Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence"

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