Missoula County Government: Resources Available For Community Members Experiencing Domestic Violence

Missoula MT

14 September, 2021

6:59 PM

Description

Press release from the Missoula County Government: 09/14/2021 2:00 PM Media Releases Contact Us Boards, Committees, Councils and Special Districts Current Vacancies Online Application Governing Boards Aging Services Governing Board Airport Authority Board Florence-Carlton Cemetery Board Health Boards Historical Museum Board Library Board Lolo Mosquito Abatement District Board Missoula Urban Transportation District Board Seeley Lake Cemetery District Board Tax Appeal Board Zoning Board of Adjustment Contact Us Help Customer Service Request Page Layout & Usage Site Navigation Site Map Departments, Divisions and Programs Animals & Pets Arts & Culture Birth, Death & Other Records Business Resolutions & Ordinances Community Communications Community Development About Missoula County Mission, Vision & Values Calendar Customer Service Request Elected Officials What is County Government? Frequently Asked Questions Apply for a building permit a burn permit County employment a food or lodging license a marriage license a septic permit or well permit a volunteer position on a County board, commission, or committee Contact a crime victim advocate a community council a Missoula County department the Commissioners' Office Donate to the Friends of the Shelter the Friends of the Library the Friends of the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula Email Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Reddit In light of the tragic domestic violence-related death of a Missoula woman earlier this month, Missoula County's Community Justice Department is reminding community members about the resources available for people experiencing domestic violence or other relationship-based abuse.  YWCA Missoula (406-542-1944) provides 24-hour crisis counseling, emergency shelter, transitional housing, mental health counseling, legal support and support groups to victims of crime. The YWCA also has a helpful FAQ on their website at https://www.ywcamissoula.org/services/domestic-sexual-violence/#faq.   Missoula City-County Crime Victim Advocate Program (406-258-3830) provides legal advocacy for victims of crimes. Advocates can help you obtain a restraining order, report a crime to police or navigate options available to you through the justice system.     University of Montana Student Advocacy Resource Center (406-243-4429) provides advocacy support to university students who have experienced harm to ensure all students have the opportunity to pursue academic success.    St. Patrick Hospital's First Step Resource Center (406-329-5776) is an accredited children's advocacy center that provides medical evaluations, forensic interviews, mental health treatment, care coordination and referrals for child and adult victims of abuse or assault.   CJD staff encourage people to share these resources with friends or family who they think could be harmed by a partner or someone else. When sharing a concern, making an effort to be non-critical is one of the best ways to start sensitive conversations. It can be helpful to say, "I am worried about you. You deserve to be safe. I want to help." Letting someone know you are worrying about them can open up an important conversation.  "We were heartbroken to learn of the tragic death of Danielle Johnston, and our thoughts are with her family as they grieve for her loss," Gaynor said. "Though we didn't know her, we grieve the loss of a member of our beloved community, where all should be safe from harm. Everyone deserves a healthy relationship free of violence. Tragedies like these have ripple effects across our community. Please be kind to yourself and others, and surround yourself and those close to you with love." For media inquiries or interviews, please contact Gaynor at 406-258-4650 or [email protected]. This press release was produced by the Missoula County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.