Guest blog by Ellen Greenberg Jacob, City of Independence Domestic Violence Prosecutor

As a domestic violence prosecutor, I’m pleased to help assault victims and am encouraged when victims tell me I've impacted their lives in a positive way.

Recently I was acknowledged by a woman I worked with years ago—along with the Judge, detective, and Hope House advocate—in the book she wrote about her abusive marriage. I was touched by her words and reminded of the rewarding nature of this work.

I hope victims are not intimidated by the court process. Advocates are available to take statements and many people find court less formal than expected. I’m happy to discuss the many possible outcomes of cases with victims either by phone or appointment.

Plea offers can be tailored to individual circumstances. There are different types of probations which may include conditions such as no contact, batterers programs, alcohol and drug outpatient testing and treatment, along with a variety of other options. All probations can be revoked if the defendant fails to provide successful completion. Also, jail time is always a potential penalty.  

Diversion programs can be utilized too. We now have access to the Jackson County Mental Health Court as long as the defendant resides in the county.

Sometimes victims don’t want the defendant prosecuted. The victim is considered the witness in the case and it’s not their case to drop. I hope victims understand this is designed for their protection and rely on the support that is provided by Hope House.

I am in awe of the attitude presented by Hope House. I see them always treat their clients respectfully and with open hearts. Their sense of service is inspirational. I am very grateful for them.

Ellen Greenberg Jacobs

City of Independence Domestic Violence Prosecutor

Civil Legal Assistance Program

January, 2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Hope House Civil Legal Assistance Program. 

In January, 2001, Hope House hired a full-time paralegal and began contracting with a full-time attorney, Mary Weir, to represent victims of domestic violence in civil legal matters.  Over the last ten years the legal program has represented thousands of women in obtaining orders of protection, custody of their children, child support, divorces, name changes, and in other civil legal matters. 

Throughout this ten year period, the program has been primarily funded from a grant through the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).  However, there were actually two years when the OVW funding didn’t come through and Hope House, recognizing the immense need for direct legal services, managed to continue the program on its own. 

While Ms. Weir has continued on as the contract attorney over the ten year period, there were also times when the funding permitted Hope House to expand the program to two full-time attorneys and extra support staff.  Hope House is happy to announce that we are in the process of once again adding a second attorney and our paralegal of eight years, Shannon Pollard, continues in her full-time position. 

In addition to the direct legal representation the legal program provides, the contract attorney also successfully argued to the Missouri Supreme Court in 2004 for the protection of the identity and records of all persons served by domestic violence agencies in Missouri.

Frequently, the legal program receives comments or letters from women expressing their gratitude for helping them obtain safety, security and empowerment in the face of a daunting legal system.  We know that this program has not only changed women and children's lives, it has saved them.