Violence Prevention

Our Prevention Resource Center offers technical assistance for several violence prevention initiatives across Southwest Missouri. Some of those include the Violence Free Families Coalition and the Greene County Task Force on Gangs & Youth Violence.

Violence Free Families Coalition


The Greene County Violence Free Families Coalition works together to raise awareness and reduce family violence through educating our community, advocating for change, increasing collaboration and promoting existing resources.

Some of the education and awareness projects of Violence Free Families include the Silent Witness Project, Foster Parent Appreciation Night, Stop the Violence Conference, and the Risky Relationships & In Her Shoes Simulations.

To learn more or become involved with the Violence Free Families Coalition, contact Chris Bell at cbell@cpozarks.org.

24-HOUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 417-864-7233 (LOCAL) OR 800-831-6863 (TOLL-FREE)

Standing Against Youth Violence


Standing Against Youth Violence (S.A.Y.V.) formed in the mid-1990s to address an influx of gang members from cities with established gang activity. Since then, S.A.Y.V. has continued to implement strategies to reduce gang activities in the community, coordinate healthy alternative activities for youth and adults, and educate the community on how to help our youth reach their full potential.

S.A.Y.V. is currently focused on increasing community awareness of youth violence, its causes, and early gang prevention and intervention, as well as mobilizing the community to become actively engaged as part of the solution.

To learn more or become involved with S.A.Y.V., contact a member of the Prevention Resource Team at 417-888-2020.