Domestic Violence Resources
Domestic violence occurs across religious, ethnic, racial, educational and economic lines. Most often, it involves a man abusing his female partner in an attempt to establish control. Domestic violence is not limited to physical beatings. It includes threats, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, intimidation, isolation and exploitation. Attacks usually begin with verbal abuse and progress to physical abuse.
Adult Protective Services
2681 Palmer St., Ste. K, 329-1315
APS is the state agency responsible for investigating suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of elderly and adult disabled persons.
Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse or Domestic Violence
542-1944 or 24 hours 1-800-483-7858
For adult women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, adult sexual assault, domestic violence, or child abuse.
Children’s Support Group, YWCA, 543-6691
Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Circle of Peace, for all ages who have experienced or witnessed family violence or abuse. Offered free in conjunction with women’s groups.
Crime Victim Advocate Program
301 W. Alder St.
For civil advocacy: 258-4630
For criminal advocacy: 258-3674
Provides advocacy to victims of violent personal crime in Missoula. Offers crisis counseling, referrals and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. A feature of the civil legal advocacy component of the CVA program is the Pro Bono Attorney Program, which involves local attorneys who regularly represent order of protection petitioners in court for their order of protection hearings.
Domestic Violence Support Group for Women in Crisis or Transition, YWCA, 543-6691
Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
No fee. Registration is at 6:00.
First Step Resource Center
900 N. Orange, Ste. 107, 329-5776
First Step is a nonprofit collaboration of professionals dedicated to a coordinated approach in child abuse and adult sexual assault investigations. First Step brings together professionals from criminal justice, Child Protective Services, victim advocacy agencies, medical and mental health professionals, and law enforcement (in the cases of children and reporting adults only). Along with coordinating the response, the First Step clinic directly provides medical care, forensic interviewing, advocacy services, mental health services and referrals for adults with a recent history of sexual assault and for children with a history of abuse.
Medical Advocacy, 542-1944
For survivors of domestic and sexual violence who are dealing with medical appointments, hospitals, etc. YWCA Pathways advocates are available to accompany survivors during any stage of these processes to help and support them.
Missoula Family Violence Council
523-4614 or Contact Shantelle at 531-6550
Promotes interagency coordination and communication. Promotes effective prevention, intervention and treatment and an improved response to family violence.
Montana Legal Services Association
304 N. Higgins Ave., 543-8343
Provides legal services to low-income people who need help with problems concerning utilities, health, divorces involving spouse abuse and supplemental security income recipients, etc.
SAFE (Supporters of Abuse Free Environment),363-4600
Meetings: Thursdays 6:30p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Support group for people experiencing emotional or physical abuse. Free childcare, but please call in advance.
Senior Help Line/Elder Abuse, 728-7682
or Help line for state of Montana 1-800-551-3191
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sexual Assault Support Group, YWCA, 543-6691
Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Registration is at 6:15.
Sexual Assault Support Group, YWCA, 543-6691
10 two-hour sessions per week for those who have experienced rape or sexual assault and are ready to begin or continue your healing process in a safe place.
Sexual Assault Walk-In, YWCA
1130 W. Broadway
Hours: Mon-Fri, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
For women and children, families and friends looking for support, information, and referrals on the issues of domestic and sexual violence.
Therapy Group for Adult Women of Child Sexual Abuse
YWCA, 543-6691
Sixteen-week sessions offered three to four times a year or as needed. Groups are free of charge and facilitated by a local professional therapist.
Transitional Housing Program, YWCA, 543-6691
An 18-month independent living program for motivated, homeless, single women with children who want to achieve self-sufficiency.
The YWCA
1130 W. Broadway, 543-6691
The YWCA runs a shelter for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence. The YWCA can provide some clothing and food to women who are staying in the shelter and help these women to connect with other resources within the Missoula community.
YWCA Pathways
1130 W. Broadway
24-hour crisis line 542-1944 or 1-800-483-7858
Hours: Mon-Fri, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Counseling, 24-hour crisis help, confidential shelter for battered women and their children, rape advocates, services for children survivors of domestic violence, temporary safe refuge for survivors of sexual assault, and a variety of support groups.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
P.O. Box 7433, Missoula, 59807, 542-1208
A nonprofit organization providing advocacy through use of trained community volunteers, for children who are neglected, abused and involved in the juvenile court system.
Child & Family Resource Council
1644 S. 8th St. W, 728-5437
Offers parenting classes, parent support groups, and volunteer parent aid programs. Matches volunteers with families who need support. Child’s play 2 nights per week offers parents a few hours of respite.
Child and Family Services Division,
Department of Public Health and Human Services
610 Woody St., 523-4100
Directs investigations into the abuse and exploitation of children; provides adoption services for special needs children; licenser and training for foster care and adoptive homes; provides registration for day care family and group homes; licenser for day centers; directs investigations and accountability for compliance with laws governing day cares, foster care and adoptive homes. To report neglect or abuse, call 1-866-820-5437.
First Step Resource Center
900 N. Orange, Ste. 107, 329-5776
First Step is a nonprofit collaboration of professionals dedicated to a coordinated approach in child abuse and adult sexual assault investigations. First Step brings together professionals from criminal justice, Child Protective Services, victim advocacy agencies, medical and mental health professionals, and law enforcement (in the cases of children and reporting adults only). Along with coordinating the response, the First Step clinic directly provides medical care, forensic interviewing, advocacy services, mental health services and referrals for adults with a recent history of sexual assault and for children with a history of abuse.
Montana Council for Families
127 E. Main St., 728-9449
Watson Children’s Shelter
2901 Fort Missoula Rd., 549-0058
shelter@montana.com
A non-profit organization that provides 24 hour emergency shelter for children, infant to age 14, who are victims of abuse, neglect, abandonment or family crisis.
The YWCA
1130 W. Broadway, 543-6691
The YWCA runs a shelter for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.
