DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHELTER NEARS COMPLETION

SIKESTON, Mo. -- It's been a long time coming, but the House of Refuge for Abused and Battered Women is nearly complete. Services may be offered as soon as October

For three years there was talk of a safe house for women, a place to go to escape the brutality endured in abusive relationships and a chance to start over.

The living arrangement would be only temporary, but it would provide the women time to decide their next step. The house would be in a secured and undisclosed location where occupants could feel safe. There would be no advertising or signs and callers would be given no information about those staying at the House of Refuge.

Doing the planning is a 12-member board which has worked to make certain everything is in order once the refuge opens.

With lives potentially at stake, the project had to be carefully planned, said Julie Dolan, who serves as the board's legal advisor.

Now, board members say, it's time to fit all the pieces together.

The House of Refuge has leased 5,000 square feet of a former business. Inside will be eight bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, two offices and ample storage.

There will also be a transition house, property given as a gift to the House of Refuge by a local resident.

It is there where a family may temporarily live once leaving the House of Refuge.

"All the expenses including utilities are paid by the shelter so she can save her money and have it to find a place of her own. It is located in close proximity to the domestic violence center for security reasons."

There are just a few more loose ends to tie up, such as completing the renovations of the House of Refuge which has become a community project.

Several organizations have already volunteered to help.

Still needed are more linens, bedspreads, drapes or blinds.

Dolan said organizations may design a room and complete it. The refuge will post a plaque, dedication or something to that organization.

Dolan said onations previously made to the House of Refuge have not been forgotten and the items will be used.

The Altrusa Club donated approximately $10,000 to the House of Refuge. The money, raised during the organization's Oh Christmas Tree project, was used as a local funding match for the Victims Of Crime Act grant which the board has recently applied for. The grant is administered through the Missouri Department of Public Safety and the board will find out whether or not they will receive it by September.

Board members are optimistic they will receive the start-up grant and if they do, the funds will be dispersed in October. They hope the local funding will be used to provide services as soon as November. Board members have just been approved for a Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program, administered by the Department of Economic Development for operating funds. This will enable them to offer $70,000 worth of tax credits over a two-year period.

To qualify for the tax credit, a business must make an eligible contribution to an approved Neighborhood Assistance Project in Missouri. Tax credit equals up to 50 percent of the value of most contributions. The donors may claim the tax credits when filing their Missouri tax returns.

"We are looking for businesses who will donate money and in return they will receive tax credits," added Dolan.

According to statistics, New Madrid County law enforcement officials reported responding in 1998 to 158 domestic violence calls and Scott County officials reported responding to 184.

That same year 27 ex-parte orders were issued in New Madrid County and 306 in Scott County.

In 1999, 47 ex-parte orders were issued in New Madrid County and 355 in Scott County.

The Office of Missouri State Court Administration states from July 1, 1998, to June 30, 1999, the New Madrid County Court System filed 38 adult abuse charges and 305 were filed in Scott County.