Resources available for victims -- No More Week seeks to educate

Nevada Daily Mail

NO MORE Week is March 8-14. It's a national effort to engage every individual, organization, or corporation to say NO MORE to domestic violence and sexual assault and to make domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention a priority year-round.

According to the nomore.org website, "All of us can play a role in ending domestic violence and sexual assault. Whether it's galvanizing your community to help end domestic violence and sexual assault or sending an email blast out to your friends, family, and co-workers, every action can -- and will -- look a little different.

"The goals of NO MORE Week Activities, however, are the same:

"Start conversations and educate people about domestic violence and sexual assault to help eliminate the stigma, shame and blame that surround them.

"Encourage action year-round. Use events to help participants learn how using the NO MORE symbol can help raise awareness and support for ending domestic violence and sexual assault in their communities.

"Help drive additional resources and support to local domestic violence and sexual assault organizations across the country."

In Nevada, Moss House provides safety for domestic and sexual violence victims who are homeless and on the run with no place to go.

The Moss House receives about 400 lifeline calls a year, and they shelter hundreds of battered women and men annually.

The shelter is operational 24-hours a day with a 24-hour toll-free crisis hotline, 800-398-4271. All calls are confidential.

The Children's Center provides a safe, child-friendly setting for the investigation of child abuse, coordinating the efforts of a multidisciplinary team to provide the most comprehensive and child-friendly services for child victims. At the Center, the child receives an age-appropriate, non-leading forensic interview by a specially-trained, neutral interviewer.

If appropriate, the child also receives a highly specialized medical examination, performed in a way to make the child feel comfortable and not threatened. All of this is digitally recorded on state-of-the-science equipment for use as evidence, if needed.

The center serves Vernon, Barton, Cedar and Dade counties and is part of a network of centers that serve Southwest Missouri. The other centers are located in Joplin, Pierce City and Butler.

Visit www.childrens-center.org or call 417-549-0900.

Moss House and the Children's Center treat males as well as females and representatives from each of the organizations note that males are victimized as well.

Both agencies are supported by United Way, have their own fundraisers, and receive grants but depend on donations from companies, organizations, and individuals to keep the doors open.