A process to help victims of Domestic Violence in the court system is available. If you feel that you are a victim of Domestic Violence you can contact the Stoddard County Circuit Court, Division I for assistance. Laws are available that can be applied to help victims. An application process is the first step in obtaining help for victims. A detailed application can be filled out at the Stoddard County Justice Center in Bloomfield, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m. or on holidays and after hours at the Dispatch Center located at the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office in Bloomfield . The Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

After the detailed application if filled out by the victim, it is placed before the Judge for his approval or denial. This is called an Ex-Parte Order of Protection, which is valid for a period of 6 months. After the Ex-Parte is issued, a court hearing is set and allegations will be heard from both parties by the Judge. The next step after the Ex-Parte is the Full Order of Protection, which is valid for a period of one year. This Full Order of Protection will be approved or denied by the Judge at another court hearing set by the court clerk.

The penalties for violation of a valid Order of Protection are, 5 years in the county jail, a $5,000.00 fine or both. It is an issue that is taken very seriously by the court and law enforcement when a violation of a Order of Protection occurs.

There are other steps that can be taken by a victim that include counseling centers that provide one on one sessions located in Stoddard County, hotline telephone numbers, and violence centers that can house victims of abuse.