Victim Services

What are the Rights of a Crime Victim in Missouri?

Article 1, Section 32 of the Missouri State Constitution guarantees that crime victims have the right to:

  • Be present at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has such right
  • Be informed and heard at guilty pleas, bail hearings, sentencing's, probation revocation hearings and parole hearings
  • Be informed of trials and preliminary hearings
  • Restitution
  • The speedy disposition and appellate review of cases
  • Reasonable protection from the defendant or any person acting on behalf of the defendant
  • Information concerning the release, escape, recapture or death of the accused while in custody or confinement
  • Information about how the criminal justice system works, the rights and availability of services and information about the crime
  • The rights of crime victims are further established and defined in the Missouri Revised Statutes, Section 595.209.

Order of Protection

An order of protection can help to protect yourself or your children from someone who is abusing or harassing you. It can help set limits by requiring the abuser to stay away from you or your home. A protection order can send a strong message to the abuser letting the abuser know that abusive behavior is not acceptable, and it is illegal.

An ex parte order may:

  • Order the accused abuser not to abuse, threaten to abuse, molest, stalk, or disturb your peace.
  • Order the accused abuser not to enter the premises of your home.
  • Make a temporary order of custody of minor children.
  • Order specific personal property and effects to be turned over to you.

You can file an order of protection 24 hours a day against the person who is abusing you. The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office (located at the Courthouse, 300 Main St. Hillsboro MO) provides orders of protection during business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Jefferson County Jail (510 1St St. Hillsboro MO) offers emergency orders of protection when the Clerk's office is closed. To apply for an emergency order at the Jail, you must be or have been in an inmate partner relationship or reside with your abuser and there must have been an act of violence that occurred within the past 24 hours.

IF YOUR ABUSER VIOLATES AN ORDER OF PROTECTION, PLEASE REPORT IT BY CALLING 911 or NON EMERGERY AT 636-797-9999.

Shelter

A Safe Place Shelter for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

Speak with our staff to receive counseling, advocacy, referrals, and other services free of charge at 636-232-2301.

Services offered include:

  • Shelter Care
  • 24-Hour Crisis Hotline
  • Emergency Shelter Program
  • Residential Shelter Program
  • Individual and Group Therapy
  • Life Skills Group
  • Domestic Abuse Education Group
  • Court Advocacy
  • Recreational Activities
  • Child Play Therapy
  • Art Therapy
  • Crime Victims Advocacy

Community Groups

  • Domestic Violence Support Group
  • Sexual Assault Support Group
  • These support groups are free and on-going.
patti short victim services coordinator
Patti Short – Victim Services Coordinator
Phone: (636) 797-5017
Email: pshort@jeffcomo.org

Victim Resources