Finding Safety

Finding Safety: Understanding Your Options and Creating a Path Forward

Safety planning can feel overwhelming when you're living with domestic violence. At Lafayette House, we understand that each person's situation is unique, and the path to safety often involves careful planning and support. Today, we want to share information about creating safety and finding the resources you need to move forward.

Understanding Safety Needs

The need for safe housing represents one of the most crucial challenges facing many survivors. On any given day, thousands of adults and children seek refuge in domestic violence shelters across the country. Sadly, many requests for services go unmet, particularly when it comes to housing assistance. This is why Lafayette House maintains our shelter services 24/7, ensuring that when you're ready to take that step, help is available.

Creating Your Safety Plan

Safety planning isn't just about physical safety – it's about creating a comprehensive strategy that considers your unique circumstances. When you work with our advocates at Lafayette House, we help you think through various aspects of safety:

1) At home: Identifying safe spaces and exit routes; 2) At work: Understanding your workplace rights and safety options; 3) With children: Creating plans that keep both you and your children protected; 4) With technology: Maintaining privacy and security in an increasingly digital world; and, 5) With finances: Developing strategies for financial independence

Comprehensive Support at No Cost

At Lafayette House, we understand that leaving an abusive situation often requires more than just immediate shelter. That's why we provide comprehensive services, all completely free of charge. Our support includes:

Safe, confidential shelter where you can focus on your next steps Individual advocacy to help you navigate various systems Legal advocacy to understand and protect your rights Economic empowerment education to build financial independence and Transportation assistance to help you access services.

Understanding the Legal System

Navigating the legal system can feel intimidating, but you don't have to face it alone. Our legal advocates can help you understand your options, whether that means filing for an order of protection, working through custody issues, or dealing with other legal matters. We can accompany you to court appearances and help you understand your rights throughout the process.

Building Economic Independence

Financial concerns often create significant barriers to safety. Our economic empowerment program helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed for financial independence. We work with you to understand your options, develop job skills, and create a plan for financial stability.

The Role of Support Networks

Creating a strong support network plays a crucial role in long-term safety and healing. Through our support groups and services, you can connect with others who understand your experiences. As one of our clients shared, "Lafayette House provided coping mechanisms, a support system, resources, and helped me know that I'm not alone."

Serving All of Southwest Missouri

At Lafayette House, we believe that everyone deserves access to safety and support, regardless of where they live. While domestic violence affects people in both cities and rural areas, we understand that accessing services can be particularly challenging for those in rural communities. Transportation, privacy concerns, and geographic isolation can create additional barriers to seeking help.

This is why we've structured our services to reach throughout Southwest Missouri. While our main facility is located in Joplin and our second location in Neosho, we proudly serve victims of domestic violence across all seven counties of Southwest Missouri: Jasper, Newton, McDonald, Barry, Lawrence, Barton, and Dade counties, but we also serve victims from all over the country! Our Neosho office plays a crucial role in bridging access gaps, working closely with Newton and McDonald County treatment courts and providing the same comprehensive services available at our Joplin location.

We've developed partnerships with local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations throughout these counties to ensure that no matter where someone lives, they can connect with our services. We can often assist with transportation to our locations, and our advocates understand the unique challenges that rural survivors face when seeking safety.

Moving Forward at Your Own Pace

Remember, seeking information about your options is a brave first step. Whether you're looking to create a safety plan while staying in your current situation, or you're ready to make a change, Lafayette House is here to support you. All of our services are free, confidential, and designed to empower you in making the choices that best fit your situation.

Your call is confidential, and our trained advocates will listen without judgment, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. We won't pressure you to take any particular action – we're here to support you in making the choices that are right for you and your family.

Contact Information:

Crisis Line: 1 (800) 416-1772

Main Office: 1 (417) 782-1772

Main Office Address: 1809 S Connor Ave. Joplin, Missouri 64804

Neosho Office: 417-451-6106

Neosho Office: 118 W. Spring St., Neosho, MO, 64850

Website: https://lafayettehouse.org/

Your safety matters. When you're ready to talk, we're here to listen. All services are free and available 24/7.