Joplin Police Department

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Aug 27 2010
July Officer of the Month
Congratulations to Detective Chip Root for receiving the Officer of the Month award for July 2010....more

May 06 2010
Relay for a Cause Route 66
In honor of fallen officers, there will be two Evansville, Indiana police officers who are walking Route 66 to raise awareness and donations for the National Law Enforcement Office...more

Apr 16 2010
Online Crime Mapping Now Available to Joplin Residents
Joplin Police Department is participating in a trial mapping program now available on our website and at www.crimereports.com. On the website, it is found under the Reports & Stat...more

News Archive

About Domestic Violence

Internet Safety

As many as four million women in this country suffer some kind of violence at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends each year. Very few will tell anyone - a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police.

Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, all cultures, all income groups, all ages, all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear, and shame.

Are You Abused?
Don't Ignore the Problem
What Can You Do
Have You Abused
High Cost

Are You Abused

Does the person you love ...

"Track" all of your time?
Constantly accuse you of being unfaithful?
Discourage your relationships with family and friends?
Prevent you from working or attending school?
Criticize you for little things?
Anger easily when drinking or using other drugs?
Control all finances and force you to account in detail for what you spend?
Humiliate you in front of others?
Destroy personal property or sentimental items?
Hit, punch, slap, kick, or bite you or the children?
Use or threaten to use a weapon against you?
Threaten to hurt you or the children?
Force you to have sex against your will?

If you find yourself saying "yes" to any of these - it's time to get help.

Don't Ignore the Problem

Talk to someone. Part of the abuser's power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to let anyone know about intimate family problems. Go to a friend or neighbor, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or Joplin Lafayette House at 1-800-416-1772 to talk to a counselor.
Plan ahead and know what you will do if you are attacked again. If you decide to leave, choose a place to go; set aside some money. Put important papers together - marriage license, birth certificates, checkbooks - in a place where you can get them quickly.
Learn to think independently. Try to plan for the future and set goals for yourself.

If You Are Hurt, What Can You Do?

There are no easy answers, but there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Call the police or sheriff. Assault, even by family members, is a crime. The police often have information about shelters and other agencies that help victims of domestic violence.

Leave, or have someone come and stay with you. Go to the Joplin's Lafayette House . If you believe that you, and your children, are in danger - leave immediately.
Get medical attention from your doctor or hospital emergency room. Ask the staff to photograph your injuries and keep detailed records in case you decide to take legal action.
Contact your county's family court for information about a civil protection order that does not involve criminal charges or penalties.

Have You Hurt Someone in Your family?

Accept the fact that your violent behavior will destroy your family. Be aware that you break the law when you physically hurt someone.

Take responsibility for your actions and get help.

When you feel tension building, get away. Work off the angry energy through a walk, a project, or a sport.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or Joplin's Lafayette House at 1-800-416-1772 and ask about counseling and support groups for people who batter.

The High Cost of Domestic Violence?

Men and women who follow their parents' example and use violence to solve conflicts are teaching the same destructive behavior to their children.
Jobs can be lost or careers stalled because of injuries, arrests, or harassment.
Violence may even result in death.