Lafayette House in Joplin is celebrating 45 years of service that, staff members say, not only rescues and shelters abuse survivors but also provides resources that build strong community members.
Men and women involved in a local immersive program Tuesday were given a glimpse of the lives of people affected by domestic violence by making decisions as if they were
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House Bill 744 would modify the duration of certain protection orders.
April 16, 2021 7:47 PM Bronte Sorotsky
JOPLIN, Mo. – For survivors of domestic abuse, speaking up about experiences can be hard enough, but in Missouri, most protection orders in the state only last about a year, with few lasting two years.
Meaning many who are seeking protection from their abusers must appear in court with them year after year explaining their case.
One Missouri lawmaker is looking to change this. Missouri state representative Lane Roberts sponsored House Bill 744, which would modify the duration of certain protection orders.
“There’s a process in this bill that allows for a hearing. The hearing requires findings of fact by a judge. If through those findings of fact the judge determines that the abuser is dangerous to the victim, he or she can impose a protection order that could be as long as the lifetime of the respondent,” Roberts said.