Chief Deputy Joshua Scott and I (Sheriff Massey) attended the Rising in the River Valley event at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith which was put on by the United Way of Fort Smith Area.  It is an event that brings awareness to sexual assault and domestic abuse.  Students, community leaders, and law enforcement officers and executives from across the River Valley attended this event to show support.  There are resources throughout our area such as the Donald W. Reynolds Crisis Intervention Center in Fort Smith where victims of abuse can get help.  Arkansas has passed several laws providing resources such as requiring law enforcement officers to hand out the Laura's Law Victim's Rights card, conducting lethality assessments for victims, and providing information where victims can find help.  There are shelters that victims can stay in, free counseling, and legal aid.  If you need help, we can help you locate these resources.

Donald W. Reynolds Crisis Intervention Center: Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault. 5603 South 14th Street, Fort Smith, Phone: 479-782-1821, Hotline: 1-800-359-0056, Local Hotline: 479-782-4956, Web: http://www.fscic.org

STEPS Family Resource Center: To end violence and strengthen families by offering Safety, Training, Education, Prevention and Solutions that promote healthy, violence free environments.  708 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, Phone: 479-782-7837, Contact: Abbie Cox, Email: acox@thestepsinc.org, Web: www.thestepsinc.org

Center for Arkansas Legal Services-Western Division: To provide legal assistance for people under the federal government poverty guidelines in most civil cases.  901 South 21st, Fort Smith, Phone: 479-785-5211, Web: www.arlegalservices.org, Eligibility Requirements: Based on gross amount of income.

For a great guide containing a list of resources and contact information for many services including Abuse, Adoption, Elderly, Food Assistance, Homeless, Housing, Parenting and Pregnancy, Shelters, Veterans, and other needs, please go to the United Way of Fort Smith Area Community Resource Guide at https://www.unitedwayfortsmith.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Community-Resource-Guide-2020.pdf