Turning Point Advocacy Services

Hotline calls: 1051. Community Need: The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence released their 2023 statistics that indicated in Missouri alone there were 70,057 hotline calls to escape, seek advice, or assist someone else dealing with a violent situation (MOCADSV,2023). Hotline advocates provide information, referrals, and potentially life-saving support, especially when responding to such calls. Target Population: The target population that our agency serves are survivors and or victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking. Activities: Our hotline is answered 24/7/365 by staff who have completed our mandatory 48- hour training as required by the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Additionally, Residential Coordinators, who are the first to answer the hotline, have completed an additional six hours of hotline- specific training. Staff responding to hotline calls may provide Crisis Intervention, Safety Planning, Information/referral to critical resources, and other community services. All client information is strictly confidential, and callers can remain anonymous if they wish. . Shelter Clients: 249; Bednights: 9,055. Community need: Access to a domestic violence shelter leads up to a 70% reduction in incidence and severity of continuing assaults in the 3 to 12-month follow-up period compared to battered women who did not access a shelter. A shelter is more effective in reducing re-assault than is court and law enforcement. (2005. Campbell, Wolf. Johns Hopkins RAVE Study). Target Population: Our shelter mainly serves female identifying adult survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking along with any dependents of the survivor. Our agency can also provide other housing options to male identifying victims seeking shelter. Activities: Turning Point has a 36-bed shelter. The agency grounds are equipped with 24/7 high resolution digital security cameras and an alarm system to help provide an additional measure of safety and security for clients and staff. Additionally, entrance and exit gates are locked and the building utilizes a key card entry system. Confidentiality is strictly maintained. Clients staying in shelter have access to a variety of programs and resources including but not limited to: 24/7/365 access to trained staff for support, Safety planning, Support to meet basic needs, Goal setting, Referrals to community resources, an assigned advocate to assist with transition planning, Licensed counselor, and Licensed occupational therapist. . Court Advocacy Clients: 76. Community Need: In 2018, there were more than 45,548 incidents of domestic violence reported to Missouri law enforcement agencies representing a 10.3% increase between 2014 and 2018. Many other incidents went unreported (NCADV 2020). Additionally, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence shared in their 2023 Stat Sheet that there were 216,681 calls for Court Advocacy and/or Legal support for survivors, and this figure continues to rise each year (MOCADSV, 2023). Target Population: Survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and trafficking who are seeking justice or legal remedies in the civil or criminal justice systems. This assistance is available for both shelter and community-based clients. Activities: Turning Point staff cannot provide legal representation or advice, but do provide assistance, support, education, and guidance related to the following: Filings and hearings for Orders of Protection, Completing and filing Crime Victim Compensation Claims, Completing and filing Victim Impact Statements, Civil and criminal court processes, which may include hearings, filings, and related appointments, and securing attorneys through area legal service providers. . General Advocacy Clients: 151. Community Need: Through years of research and trainings involving the abuse power and control wheel, it has been determined that abusers often limit a victims access to financial resources, employment opportunities, government documents, and overall socialization. Therefore, many victims find it challenging to regain financial, emotional, and physical independence as they transition away from an abusive partner. Target population: Survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking. This may include both shelter-based and community-based clients. Activities: Our LIFE Advocacy program offers direct support to access resources such as housing,transportation, childcare, and education. Additionally, this program offers Economic Empowerment services which increase survivor safety by assisting the individual to learn how to be self-supporting through increased financial self- efficacy, and literacy, as well as monetary assistance to move them on the path of independence and empowerment. . Wellbeing Program: Counseling Clients: 60. Community Need: We empower survivors to begin the process of taking back their lives and their childrens lives. We provide resources to help regain housing and necessities, which allows them to find their own strengths and voices, so they can step into new lives with confidence and independence. Missouri advocate (MOCADSV.org). Isolation is a common tactic used by abusers to maintain control and hide the abuse. Silence and secrecy also surround domestic violence and rape, both as control tactics and as part of the self-shaming that survivors exhibit (2011,MCADSV). Survivors report that they are concerned about not being believed or under- stood as a critical barrier to reaching out for help. For many survivors, breaking the isolation and speaking out about their abuse are some of the most powerful steps toward self-empowerment (2011,MCADSV). Survivors report finding comfort when talking among peers who have shared a similar experience, and being able to talk it out has helped them gain the confidence to continue their path toward independence from their abusers or their pasts. When group facilitators are trained in the dynamics of domestic and sexual violence, support groups can provide an effective space for relief from the isolation and create an inviting space for speaking on ones personal trauma. Target Population: The target population is survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking, including both shelter- based and community-based clients. Activities : All Turning Point clients have access to support groups and individual counseling. Support groups are provided on a variety of topics. Group offerings vary week by week and are aligned to match the needs of the clients. Counseling support groups are always facilitated by a licensed counselor. The frequency of individual counseling sessions is determined by client needs and is arranged by the counselor and client. . Substance Abuse Prevention Clients: 23: Community need: In our rural community we have witnessed an increased accessibility to substances including amphetamines and opioids. With this increase there are extremely limited resources available for recovery. Substance abuse is often a tactic for an abuser to insert power and control over a victim. Substance abuse may be a pattern that can be coupled with trauma, abuse, and impulsive behaviors characterized by the effects of addiction. Target Population: The target population is survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking, including both shelter-based and community-based clients. Activities: Individual and group sessions using the SMART Recovery Program. Clients meet in weekly group activities, individual sessions, and complete activities and projects designed to strengthen them and provide alternatives to break free from the cycle of substance abuse.