A Brief History of the Family Violence Center

Mission Statement

The Family Violence Center provides shelter, advocacy, and education to women and children who are victims of domestic violence and promotes the principle that all individuals have the right to a life free from abuse. Our mission is supported by four agency goals:

To provide short-term emergency protective shelter for women and children who are victims of family violence

To help victims of domestic violence break the cycle of abuse through programs of education, support, referral, and advocacy

To disseminate information to the community that promotes understanding about the factors involved in domestic violence

To advocate for changes which will provide the opportunity for a lifestyle free of violence for all people

History

The Family Violence Center, Inc. incorporated in 1976, just five years after the first battered women’s shelter in the world was established in England in 1971. It was the first organization in the State of Missouri to specifically serve victims of domestic violence.

The Center began as a grassroots all-volunteer organization. The first victims were sheltered in volunteers’ homes and area hotels, then in rented shelter homes.

In 1978, the 24-hour Crisis Hotline was established.

In 1991, the Center moved into its first agency-owned shelter, a facility that sheltered 35 women and children. A toll-free nationwide 800 number was added that same year.

In 1996, the Center acquired its current shelter building, a small house, and the administration building; the shelter could then hold 70 individuals.

In 1999, a childcare building was constructed and day care and groups for children were added to services. Also in 1999, the Center, in collaboration with Dade County Connections Community Action Group, established an Outreach Program for Dade County residents in need of domestic violence services. This program because a free-standing program in 2001.

In 2005, through reorganizing within the existing buildings, the shelter capacity was increased to 84 individuals.

And in 2007, once again through internal relocations, the capacity reached 100. In 2007 an Outreach Case Manager and a part-time cook (in addition to the full time cook) were added to the staff.

Our buildings cover a quarter of a square block in Springfield and today the Center has progressed to a professionally staffed agency of approximately 25 full- and part-time staff members. An all-volunteer Board of Directors consisting of 21 community members oversees the operation of the Center, and a pool of additional volunteers assists with service delivery. 2010 marks the 34th year the Family Violence Center has served domestic violence victims and we have protected the lives of almost 10,000 women and children.

Services Provided

The 24-hour Hotline is the initial point of contact for most persons requesting emergency assistance from the Family Violence Center. It is maintained 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained staff and volunteers.
The Hotline assists through crisis intervention, support and referrals for victims of family violence.
Below are the number of hotline calls received in last eight years of the Family Violence Center, Inc.
2008 - 1,198 hotline calls were received
2007 - 1,541
2006 - 1,499
2005 - 1,484
2004 - 2,053
2003 - 2,272
2002 - 2,582
2001 - 1,221
The 24-hour Hotline numbers are:
417-864-SAFE (7233)
1-800-831-6863
TTY 417-837-7705.

Shelter

Emergency protective shelter is provided to women and children fleeing family violence. As of the summer of 2005, Harmony House can provide up to 100 safe beds. This is an increase from the 70 beds we previously provided. Food, clothing, personal hygiene necessities, baby care items and general support are also provided.
Seven transitional apartments were opened in March 1998 with an additional apartment opened in the summer of 2005. We continue to house women and their families in transition for up to two years.
Below are the numbers of safe bed nights provided in the last eight years.
2008 - 24,125 safe bednights
2007 - 23,101
2006 - 25,741
2005 - 22,014
2004 - 20,739
2003 - 18,392
2002 - 13,173
2001 - 14,835

Programs

Staff provides crisis intervention, case management, intake and assessment, support, planning advocacy and information on community resources.

Referrals are made to appropriate agencies offering: medical, legal, financial, psychological, educational and vocational assistance.
Below are the reported numbers of referrals given to both the resident and the callers to the crisis hotline in the last eight years.
2008 - 3,612 referrals
2007 - 6,095
2006 - 5,660
2005 - 4,101
2004 - 3,902
2003 - 2,638
2002 - 3,131
2001 - 3,448

Support groups as well as educational groups are part of the weekly routine at Harmony House. Group topics include: cycle of domestic violence; basic living skills; self-esteem; and safety planning to name a few. These groups are presented by staff, licensed professionals, interns and volunteers from our community.
Below are the number of support groups provided to our women and children in the last eight years.
2008 - 531 support groups
2007 - 530
2006 - 648
2005 - 1,714
2004 - 1,304
2003 - 2,571
2002 - 1,159
2001 - 509

Court advocate volunteers work with victims filing ex-partes and orders of protection. Staff also make referrals to community resources, attorneys (as needed), and shelter.
Below are the number of victims that court advocacy services were provided to in the last eight years. These numbers include residents of the shelter and non-resident women, children and men in the community.
2008 - 613 victims
2007 - 1,089
2006 - 1,529
2005 - 2,071
2004 - 2,273
2003 - 2,056
2002 - 2,249
2001 - 2,493
These victims were helped by our volunteers and staff members.

Children's Services
Children experience a safe, secure environment. Topics and programs are designed to address the child's development needs, both physical and emotional. School children are provided with tutoring in shelter, if their safety is an issue.

Community Education
Speakers are available to area schools, churches and civic organizations to provide prevention education and promote awareness on family violence and the services offered by the Center. In-service programs and professional training workshops are also provided to law enforcement personnel, health care providers and social service agencies. Below are the number of community presentations and the number of members of the community who attended these presentations in last eight years.
2008 - 165 presentations - 5,954 people attending
2007 - 241 presentations - 11,855
2006 - 171 presentations - 16,351
2005 - 125 presentations - 8,932
2004 - 208 presentations - 16,805
2003 - 100 presentations - 28,554
2002 - 100 presentations - 29,612
2001 - 129 presentations - 12,289

Outreach Advocacy
Our outreach case manager meets with women who don't need emergency shelter yet. They are trying to get help while staying in their homes and seeking assistance from the center. Whether they need referral to other services, domestic violence groups or other help, our outreach case manager tries to help them with their needs.
2007 - 105 women assisted
98 children
2007 - 136 outreach presentations
2007 - 1,559 outreach groups were held

It is important to realize that each of these numbers represent women and children in our communities. These people could be your mother, sister, niece, cousin, neighbor, fellow church member, co-worker or friend. It could even be YOU!

How we Benefit the Community

The Family Violence Center provides emergency shelter to women and children fleeing domestic violence. It is a safe place for them as they re-evaluate their lives and try to set a course for a violence-free life.

Domestic violence affects every aspect of community living including schools, neighborhoods, law enforcement, health care, social services, churches and businesses.

Children living with domestic violence are often hostile, do not learn as well, are depressed and sometimes cause distraction in the classroom.

Businesses have employees that miss work due to the injuries suffered at the hands of the abuser.

Neighbors get involved in the abuse situation as they are living near where it is happening. They find themselves helpless to prevent the abuse or they get involved and become a target of the abuser.

Law enforcement spends many hours responding to the calls concerning abuse. The victims call for help and the officers' lives are often endangered due to the violence of the situation.

The doctors and hospitals are involved with treating the injuries sustained by the victims of the abuse. Often times the victims cannot afford to pay for these services due to the abuser having control of the money or the victim leaves and has no source of income.

Social Services become involved when children are in the abusive environment. They have to make sure the children are safe and not being hurt.

Churches are involved as they try to minister to the families in their churches, synagogues, parishes, etc.

The Family Violence Center provides an important service to the community by helping these women and children learn that family violence is not normal nor is it an acceptable way of life.

Crisis Hotline is maintained 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by trained staff and volunteers. We accept calls for information about domestic violence and our other services, referrals and/or shelter.

Emergency Shelter is the most critical service available for battered women and their children. Our 100 bed shelter Harmony House, offers a safe and supportive environment while women work to establish abuse-free lives.

Court Advocate volunteers provide assistance and support for victims filing orders of protection at the court house. Ask at the time you file the order if a court advocate volunteer is available assist you.

Community Education speaking provides education on agency services, domestic violence and victim sensitivity to community groups, classrooms, law enforcement, professionals, etc. Call 417-837-7700, or email us at fvc@familyviolencecenter.org for more information and to schedule a speaker for your group or event.

Volunteer Opportunities are available. Please call 417-837-7700 and talk to our volunteer coordinator, Lisa C. Keene, about volunteer openings, or email her at lisak@familyviolencecenter.org.