Deciding that you need to leave a domestic violence situation is difficult enough. Knowing what kind of help is available and where to find it can be overwhelming and may even feel impossible at times. That is why The Family Justice Center was created. We provide a Navigator who helps guide each of our clients through comprehensive client-centered, empowerment services available in a single location. Following is a list of ways you can get help when you walk through our doors.
- Get Basic Supplies
If you left in a hurry, you and/or your children might need basics like hygiene items, diapers, clothing essentials, or blankets. To keep little ones occupied and comfortable items like coloring books and stuffed animals are available. We also have snacks available for those who come hungry. - Make a Safety Plan
We can help no matter where you are in your journey. If you are ready to leave or if you just need help planning how to stay safe in your relationship, your Navigator can help you craft a safety plan. This is your personalized list of things you want to have ready in case you need to leave in a hurry, and a plan on how you’ll stay safe if things escalate. You know your situation best, but your Navigator can help with details like knowing what to pack in your emergency bag, finding a trusted person to keep your important documents safe, and creating a code word with your children so that your abuser won’t be clued in to what’s happening. - Secure Emergency Shelter
When you do not have a safe place to go, we work with several local shelters and can help find a good fit for you. - Connect with Advocates
Everybody’s situation is unique, requiring different resources. We can connect you with community-based rape crisis, domestic violence, or human trafficking advocates that are best equipped to help. - Connect with Social Services
We can connect you and your children to the social service agencies that can help with assistance programs and other available resources to start you on the path to becoming more self-sufficient. - File a Police Report
Any legal action regarding domestic or sexual violence is entirely at your discretion, and you are not required to contact any law enforcement agency when you visit us. But, if you choose to, we have members of Springfield Police Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Office and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on site who can help you through the criminal justice system process. These agencies cannot collect any of your information from Family Justice Center records or staff without your written consent. - Access Mental Health Providers
Get in touch with mental health professionals to set up one time or ongoing mental health and well-being appointments for you and/or your children. - Explore Legal Options
Learn about your legal options ranging from basic legal information to divorce, child custody or order of protection with legal service providers, should you choose to do so.
All the ways we help are designed around you and your very personal needs, and all of the services we offer are voluntary and confidential. Our public and private partner agencies assign staff on a full-time or part-time basis to provide victim services in one safe place. We focus on reducing the number of times victims tell their story, the number of places victims must go for help, and look to increase access to services and support for victims and their children. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
About GCFJC
The Greene County Family Justice Center is a non-profit collaborative of local agencies offering comprehensive services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and family violence. Our services are trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and we welcome survivors at any point in their process. We partner with local non-profit service providers as well as local law enforcement, the Prosecutor’s office, and Children’s Division to make victim services more accessible and completely voluntary. If you do not want to participate in the criminal justice process, we support you.
Our vision is a future where we all work together to meet the needs of domestic violence and human trafficking survivors through comprehensive and accessible services, education and perpetrator accountability. Through a coordinated framework and co-located response, we strive to break the vicious generational cycle and community impact of domestic violence and resulting victimizations.
We can help you plan for your safety whether you plan to stay in the relationship, or you are actively trying to escape. All of our services are free, confidential and survivor centered. Have questions about what services are available? Visit us at 1418 E. Pythian Street or give us a call at 417-874-2600. We are open 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For after-hours assistance, call the Harmony House/Victim Center’s 24-hour safe line at 417-864-SAFE (7233). If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.