General Info

Mission Statement It is the mission of Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center to protect and serve victims of domestic violence, and sexual assault, to provide shelter and to prevent such violence by enhancing education, treatment and awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault. From its beginning in December 1978 as a grass roots organization designed to provide assistance to families and individuals victimized by domestic violence, Missouri Shores has drawn from the community and depended upon it for support - as volunteer advocates and workers, as well as financial supporters. In response to the increased need for services over the last few years, Missouri Shores has grown from a program of all volunteers and the utilization of safe houses ( private homes ) or motels, to a program of 16 to 18 volunteer advocates and eight paid staff, an owned shelter facility, professional counseling services, a community crisis line with a toll free number and "We Are Here" satellite offices in outlying rural areas. While the rural nature of our communities offers a sense of peace and safety from inner-city violence, we have learned over the years that the qualities of pride and self-sufficiency inherent in our people often make it very difficult for families to admit to violence within their homes or those of their neighbors, and to ask for the help so desperately needed. Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center is a 5, 000 sq. foot building with 9 private client rooms, 4 staff offices, and a common living room and kitchen area. The staff and board work extremely hard to provide a warm home-like atmosphere to welcome families who are escaping an abusive situation in their own homes.