Legal Aid of Western Missouri

The “perfect victim” myth is the idea that only people who display certain behaviors, reactions, or identities are worthy of support if harmed. When someone doesn’t align with the “perfect victim” image—such as being feminine, timid, leaving their partners, being sober, or other narrow definitions of “innocence”—they are less likely to be believed, understood, and supported. Survivors react to and cope with abuse in many ways to survive, reclaim their power, maintain their safety, and for many other valid individual reasons. Survivors know what is best for them, their children, and their lives. Many of these things may not be obvious to outsiders, but none of us can say how we would or would not respond to the trauma of abuse and harm. All survivors are worthy of care, support, and safety. #DomesticViolence #DVAM #DVAM2024 #JusticeForAll

Today is #InternationalPronounsDay! Use today to remind yourself and others of the importance of learning about and respecting personal pronouns. The act of assuming you know (even if correct) sends a potentially harmful message -- that people have to look a certain way to demonstrate the gender they are or are not. Cisgender allies can help normalize the behavior of self-identifying to avoid misgendering. Do this by adding your pronouns to email, social media, etc. and introducing yourself in full by including your pronouns after your name. Image: Normalize sharing and asking for pronouns. #JusticeforAll #WorkplacePride

Here's something to think about as you go about your Wednesday! 🤓 bell hooks was a poet, author, feminist, and professor. Known for her writing on race, gender, and sexuality, hooks published more than 30 books over the course of her lifetime, including 1981's "Ain't I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism" and "All About Love" in 1999. "Sometimes people try to destroy you precisely because they recognize your power — not because they don’t see it, but because they see it and they don’t want it to exist." - bell hooks #WiseWordsWednesday #JusticeForAll #BellHooks

Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse or relationship abuse) is a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Domestic violence includes behaviors that physically harm, arouse fear, prevent a partner from doing what they wish or force them to behave in ways they do not want. It includes the use of physical and sexual violence, threats and intimidation, emotional abuse and economic deprivation. Many of these different forms of domestic violence/abuse can be occurring at any one time within the same intimate relationship. #DVAM #DVAM2024 #justiceforall #justice

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, at its core, aims to celebrate and honor the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the US and acknowledges the legacy of colonialism, which has devastated Indigenous communities historically and continues to negatively impact them today. More importantly, however, Indigenous Peoples’ Day moves beyond the narrative of oppression and honors the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples. (Legal Aid offices are closed 10-14-24.) #JusticeForAll Image: Indigenous Peoples Day, Oct. 14, 2024 against a colorful image of Native peoples wearing traditional clothing.

Legal Aid offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14. We will be back to help our clients on Tuesday, Oct. 15. 😊

Contrary to what people may think -- coming out isn't a one-off thing. LGBTQ+ individuals come out over and over again...to parents, friends, family, coworkers, doctors, and strangers. Whether you are out or choosing not to be for any number of totally valid reasons, we celebrate you -- today and every day! 🥳🏳️🌈😍🏳️⚧️ #NationalComingOutDay #JusticeforAll #WorkplacePride

⏰ The clock is ticking! We’re in the final hours — our Generous Associates Drive ends at midnight! Which firm will claim victory? 🏆 Polsinelli - $2,994 Spencer Fane - $2,283 Bryan Cave - $1,004 Lathrop - $284

RETHINKING CREDIBILITY: It is common for the legal system to question whether a survivor of domestic violence is credible because a witness doesn’t behave, look, or speak the way the court may expect. WHY IT MATTERS: Witness testimony is often the most important component of a trial. It provides first-hand accounts of what happened and when. The legal system’s failure to understand how the intersections of racism, poverty, and trauma impact how a survivor looks and reacts often results in a denial of justice. THE BOTTOM LINE: There is no “typical” survivor. We must move past the stereotypes and assumptions. We must rethink credibility so survivors have a shot at fair and equal justice. #JusticeForAll #DVAM #DVAM24

The countdown is on—it's the second-to-last day of the Generous Associates Drive, and things are getting exciting! Polsinelli has jumped back into the lead, but can they hold on? It's anyone's game now! Spencer Fane, Bryan Cave, and Lathrop are moving up! Support your favorite firm: https://lnkd.in/gaRCAX_h