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. If you are in an abusive relationship, please contact the following groups:

Adult Protective Services
2677 Palmer St., Suite 240 - 329-1309
APS is the state agency responsible for investigating suspected abuse and neglect of adults.

Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse or Domestic Violence - 542-1944 or 1-800-483-7858
24 hour service.
For adult women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.
Children’s Support Group - YWCA - 543-6691
Circle of Peace, for all ages who have experienced or witnessed family violence or abuse. Offered free every Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m. in conjunction with women’s groups.

Circle of Peace Support Group - YWCA
543-6691 for more information.
Support group for children of all ages who’ve experienced or witnessed family violence or abuse. Offered free every Tuesday from 6:30-8 p.m.

Crime Victim Advocate Program - 301 W. Alder
For civil advocacy, call 258-4630
For criminal advocacy, call 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 10-12 local attorneys who regularly represent order of protection petitioners in court for their order of protection hearings.

Department of Public Health and Human Services, Division of Child and Family Services - 523-4100
610 Woody, Missoula, MT 59802
A state agency responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect. To report neglect or abuse, call 1-866-820-5437.

Domestic Violence Support Group for Women in Crisis or Transition - YWCA - 543-6691
Every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 p.m., no fee. Registration is at 6:15.

Legal and Medical Advocacy - 542-1944
For women survivors of domestic and sexual violence, who are dealing with the criminal justice system, lawyers, hospitals, etc. YWCA Pathways advocates are available to accompany a woman during any stage of these processes to help and support her.

Missoula Family Violence Council - 523-4614 - Dawn Hayden-543-6691
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 Avenue - 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 for details
Support group for people experiencing emotional or physical abuse, 6:30p.m.-8 p.m. Thurdays, free childcare.

Senior Help Line/Elder Abuse - Help line for state of Montana - 1-800-551-3191 or in Missoula 728-7682.
Hours are Monday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sexual Assault Support Group - YWCA - 543-6691
Meets every Tuesday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Registration is at 6:15.

Sexual Assault Support Group - YWCA - 543-6691 (closed)
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 - Walk-in hours available at the YWCA, 1130 W. Broadway
For women and children, families and friends looking for support, information, and referrals on the issues of domestic and sexual violence. Hours are Monday thru Friday 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

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 or without 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 - 24-hour crisis line
542-1944 or 1-800-483-7858
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. Walk-in hours Monday through Friday noon-4 p.m. 1130 W. Broadway.

Child Abuse and Neglect

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
P.O. Box 7433 - Missoula, MT 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 W - 728-5437
Offers parenting classes, parent support groups, and volunteer parent aid programs. Matches volunteers with families who need support.

Child and Family Services Division, Department of Public Health and Human Services - 610 Woody - 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.

Montana Council for Families - 127 E. Main - 728-9449

The YWCA - 1130 W. Broadway - 543-6691
The YWCA runs a shelter for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.

Watson Children’s Shelter - 2901 Fort Missoula Road - 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.