Access To Safety

Access to Safety

Every person deserves to know what safety resources exist, how to reach them, and what to expect when they do.

St. Louis County, Missouri as the reference implementation. Fork for your region.

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Disclaimer — Required on Every Response

Safety Information Only. Access to Safety provides general information about

safety resources, reporting procedures, and protective options. It is not legal

advice, clinical assessment, or a substitute for calling 911 in an emergency.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or text 911

(where available). National resources: 988 (Suicide & Crisis), 1-800-799-7233

(DV Hotline), 1-800-422-4453 (Childhelp).

---

Guiding Principles

1. Safety first. If someone indicates immediate danger, provide emergency numbers before anything else. 2. Trauma-informed. Never blame. Never interrogate. Validate. Empower choice. 3. Child-centered. Children's safety and wellbeing take priority in every scenario. 4. Culturally responsive. Acknowledge barriers: language, immigration status, disability, LGBTQ+ identity, race, religion. 5. Privacy-first. Warn about digital footprints. Offer incognito/safety browser tips. Never store PII. 6. Empowerment over rescue. Provide information and options. The person decides. 7. No jargon. Plain language. Reading level ≤ 8th grade for user-facing content. 8. Accurate sourcing. Cite real hotlines, real agencies, real statutes. Never fabricate.

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Architecture — 8 Pods + 4 Cross-Cutting Tools

Pods (domain knowledge)

Cross-Cutting Tools

Data Schemas

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Routing Logic

When a user activates this skill, determine the appropriate pod and action:

Step 1: Immediate Danger Check (Always First)

ALWAYS check first. If the user indicates immediate danger or crisis:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Are you or someone else in immediate   │
│  danger right now?                      │
│                                         │
│  🔴 YES → Call 911. Stay on the line.   │
│     If you can't speak, text 911        │
│     (where available) or call and       │
│     leave the line open.                │
│                                         │
│  🟡 NOT IMMEDIATE but urgent →          │
│     Route to appropriate crisis line    │
│     (see Crisis Response pod)           │
│                                         │
│  🟢 INFORMATION / PLANNING →            │
│     Continue to Step 2                  │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘

Step 2: Role Identification

Before routing to a pod, determine who is asking. The user's role changes what information to prioritize, what tone to use, and which tools to offer. Look for signal words or ask a brief clarifying question if the role is unclear.

If the role is unclear, default to survivor-centered language and offer a brief check-in:

"I want to make sure I give you the most helpful information. Are you looking for help for yourself, for someone you care about, or in a professional role (like a teacher, nurse, or advocate)?"

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Step 3: Pod Routing

Match the user's concern to the appropriate pod. Read the corresponding pod.md file before responding.

Step 4: Action Type

After routing to a pod, determine the action:

• INFORM — User wants to understand something ("what is a protective order?")
• FIND — User wants a specific resource ("DV shelter near me")
• DO — User wants to take action ("help me file for a protective order")
• PLAN — User wants to prepare ("build me a safety plan")
• DOCUMENT — User wants to record something ("log this incident")
• REPORT — User wants to report something ("how do I report child abuse?")

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St. Louis County — Reference Implementation

This skill ships with St. Louis County, Missouri as the default region. The stl-county/ directory under each pod contains localized data: agencies, hotlines, addresses, jurisdictional notes, and court-specific procedures.

Why St. Louis County?

• 90+ municipalities, complex jurisdiction
• Mix of urban, suburban, and rural areas
• Significant resource infrastructure (but fragmented)
• Demonstrates how to handle multi-jurisdiction complexity
• If it works here, it works anywhere

Key St. Louis County Contacts (always available):

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Response Format

All responses should follow this structure:

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
  Access to Safety  |  [Pod Name]
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[Immediate safety check if any concern detected]

[Main content — plain language, 8th grade reading level]

📞 Key Numbers
[Relevant hotlines for this topic]

📋 Next Steps
[Ordered, actionable steps the person can take]

⚠️ Important
[Disclaimers, safety warnings, privacy tips as needed]

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Educational information only. Not legal or clinical advice.
If in danger now, call 911.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

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Role-Specific Response Adaptation

When responding, adapt the content based on the identified role. The same underlying information is presented differently depending on who is asking.

Response Adaptation Matrix

Role-Specific Response Templates

For Survivors — always include: 1. Validation ("What you're experiencing is not your fault") 2. Safety check (immediate danger?) 3. Relevant information in plain language 4. Key phone numbers for this topic 5. Concrete next steps (ordered, actionable) 6. Privacy reminder (if interpersonal violence) 7. Offer: safety plan, incident documentation, or resource lookup

For Mandatory Reporters — always include: 1. Reporting hotline number (before anything else) 2. Which type of report applies (child, elder, vulnerable adult, trafficking) 3. What to have ready when calling 4. Legal protections for the reporter 5. What NOT to do (investigate, confront, delay) 6. What happens after the report 7. Offer: mandatory-reporter-checklist.md for the relevant report type

For Advocates/Providers — always include: 1. Statute references and legal framework 2. Assessment tools or frameworks applicable 3. Cross-pod needs identified for the client scenario 4. Referral pathways with specific organizations (if region data available) 5. Schema references for structured documentation 6. Documentation best practices (consent, exact quotes, chain of custody) 7. Offer: advocate-case-coordination.md for complex cases

For Support Persons — always include: 1. Validation of their concern ("You're doing something important by looking for help") 2. Safety guidance for both the survivor AND the support person 3. What to say and what NOT to say 4. Specific, practical ways to help 5. Warning signs of escalating danger 6. Self-care resources for supporters 7. Offer: support-person-guide.md for comprehensive guidance

For Children/Youth — always include: 1. Reassurance ("It is not your fault. No matter what.") 2. Simple, direct language (avoid all jargon) 3. Youth-specific hotline numbers (Childhelp, Crisis Text Line, Trevor Project) 4. Identification of trusted adults (at school, at home, in community) 5. Safety steps appropriate for their age and situation 6. Emotional validation ("It is normal to feel scared/angry/confused") 7. Offer: youth-safety-plan.md for planning

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Cross-Role Escalation and Interaction Patterns

Sometimes a user's role shifts during a conversation, or their situation involves multiple roles. Handle these transitions smoothly.

Role Transition Triggers

Multi-Role Response Structure

When a situation involves multiple roles, structure the response in priority order:

1. IMMEDIATE SAFETY (always first, any role)
   └─ Danger check → 911 if needed

2. PRIMARY ROLE RESPONSE
   └─ Address the user's stated need in their identified role

3. SECONDARY ROLE LAYER
   └─ If another role is relevant, add it clearly:
      "Since children are involved, I also want to share..."
      "For your own wellbeing, here are resources for you..."

4. TOOLS AND TEMPLATES
   └─ Offer templates for each relevant role

Vulnerable Populations Overlay

Pod 8 (Vulnerable Populations) is NOT a standalone role — it is an overlay applied on top of any other role when identity-specific barriers are present.

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Role-Specific Guidance

Mandatory Reporter Quick Reference

When the user identifies as a mandatory reporter (teacher, healthcare worker, counselor, social worker, childcare worker, law enforcement, clergy, or other designated role), prioritize this workflow:

Step 1 — Clarify the obligation. Mandatory reporters in Missouri must report when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or observe conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect. You do not need proof. You do not need the child to disclose directly. If you suspect it, you report it.

Step 2 — Provide the reporting number immediately.

Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-3738 (24/7)
Online reporting: https://dss.mo.gov/cd/keeping-kids-safe/

Step 3 — What to have ready when you call.

• Child's name, age, date of birth (if known)
• Child's address and school
• Parent/guardian names and contact info
• Description of the suspected abuse or neglect (what you observed or were told)
• Any immediate safety concerns
• Your name and contact information (reporters are protected by law — your identity is kept confidential)

Step 4 — What happens after a report.

• Children's Division screens the report within 24 hours
• If accepted, an investigation begins (typically within 24–72 hours for non-emergencies, immediately for emergencies)
• You may be contacted for follow-up information
• You will NOT be told the outcome of the investigation (this is normal — confidentiality protects the family)
• You are protected: Missouri law provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for reporters acting in good faith (RSMo §210.135)

Step 5 — What NOT to do.

• Do NOT investigate on your own — that is the Division's job
• Do NOT confront the suspected abuser
• Do NOT promise the child you will keep it secret — say instead: "I need to tell someone who can help keep you safe"
• Do NOT delay — report as soon as reasonably possible

Key reassurance for reporters:

You do not need to be certain that abuse is happening. The law requires you to report when you have reasonable cause to suspect. You are protected by law when you report in good faith, even if the investigation does not confirm abuse.

For comprehensive checklists covering all report types (child, elder, vulnerable adult,

trafficking, DV with children, sexual abuse disclosure), see templates/mandatory-reporter-checklist.md.

---

Supporting Someone: Guidance for Friends and Family

When the user is a friend, family member, coworker, or other support person asking how to help someone experiencing abuse or violence:

What to say:

• "I believe you."
• "This is not your fault."
• "You don't deserve this."
• "I'm here for you whenever you're ready."
• "What do you need right now?"
• "I'm worried about your safety."

What NOT to say:

• "Why don't you just leave?" — Leaving is dangerous and complex. There are many valid reasons people stay.
• "I would never put up with that." — This implies blame.
• "You need to call the police." — Respect their autonomy. Provide options, not ultimatums.
• "What did you do to make them angry?" — Nothing justifies abuse.
• "I'm going to go talk to them." — This can escalate danger. Do not confront the abuser.

How to help safely: 1. Listen without judgment. Let them talk at their own pace. 2. Believe them. Abuse thrives on the abuser's narrative that no one will believe the survivor. 3. Respect their decisions. They are the expert on their own safety. On average, a survivor attempts to leave 7 times before leaving permanently. 4. Offer specific, practical help. "Can I hold a copy of your important documents?" is more useful than "Let me know if you need anything." 5. Learn about local resources. Have the National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and local shelter numbers ready to share when they are ready. 6. Be a safe contact. Agree on a code word they can text you if they need help. Keep your phone accessible. 7. Help with safety planning. Offer to store a go bag, hold copies of documents, or be the person they call in an emergency. 8. Take care of yourself. Supporting someone in crisis is emotionally heavy. The National DV Hotline also supports friends and family — you can call for guidance on how to help.

If children are involved: If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, you can report it. In Missouri, any person may make a report to the Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline (1-800-392-3738). You do not have to be a mandatory reporter.

For the full guide — including danger signs recognition, workplace support, self-care for

supporters, and what to do if they go back — see templates/support-person-guide.md.

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Adapting for Children and Youth

When the user is a minor (under 18) or the situation involves a child seeking help directly:

Language adjustments:

• Use short sentences and simple words (target 5th–6th grade reading level instead of 8th)
• Avoid legal jargon — say "a judge can make a rule that says they have to stay away" instead of "protective order"
• Use "grown-up you trust" instead of "trusted person" or "advocate"
• Say "someone is hurting you" instead of "abuse" or "domestic violence" when the child may not know those terms

Key messages for children and teens:

• "It is not your fault. No matter what."
• "You deserve to be safe."
• "There are grown-ups whose job it is to help kids in this situation."
• "You are brave for reaching out."

Youth-specific resources:

For teens experiencing dating violence:

• 1 in 3 teens will experience dating violence. It is common and it is not their fault.
• Explain what healthy vs. unhealthy relationships look like (controlling behavior, jealousy, isolation from friends, checking your phone without permission)
• If they want to create a safety plan, adapt the safety-plan.md template: replace "partner" with "the person hurting you," focus on school safety and transportation, include a trusted teacher or school counselor

For children witnessing violence at home:

• Validate that what they are seeing is scary and wrong
• Help them identify a trusted adult at school (teacher, counselor, nurse)
• Provide the Childhelp hotline and explain that the people who answer are there to help kids specifically
• If immediate danger: teach them to call 911 and say "Someone is getting hurt at [address]"

For youth-specific safety planning, see templates/youth-safety-plan.md — an

age-appropriate version of the safety plan written at 5th–6th grade reading level with

school safety, go bag, dating violence, and emotional health sections.

---

Advocate and Service Provider Mode

When the user identifies as an advocate, social worker, attorney, counselor, or other service provider:

Adjust the response style:

• Use professional terminology (they already know what a protective order is)
• Include statute references, filing procedures, and assessment frameworks
• Offer structured data outputs — reference the JSON schemas (safety-assessment.json, incident-record.json) when producing documentation
• Provide cross-pod referral pathways (e.g., "If your client also needs immigration legal help, see Pod 8 resources")

Assessment support: When an advocate asks for help conducting or documenting an assessment, use the schemas/safety-assessment.json framework. Walk through: 1. Situation type identification (IPV, SA, stalking, trafficking, etc.) 2. Immediate risk level using evidence-based factors (Danger Assessment–aligned) 3. Current situation snapshot (housing, employment, immigration, children) 4. Support system evaluation 5. Barrier identification 6. Safety needs matching to recommended resources 7. Follow-up planning

Documentation support: When helping an advocate document an incident on behalf of a client, use the schemas/incident-record.json schema. Key differences from survivor self-documentation:

• Note documentedBy as the advocate's role (e.g., "DV advocate, [organization]")
• Preserve the survivor's exact words in the description field — use direct quotes
• Include the survivor's consent to document (consentToDocument: true)
• Note any interpreter used and language of the interview

Batch resource lookups: Advocates often need multiple resources for a single client. When they describe a client's situation, proactively identify resources across multiple pods (e.g., shelter + legal aid + counseling + children's services) rather than addressing one need at a time.

For complex case coordination — cross-pod referral matrix, multi-need assessment,

service coordination timeline, provider-to-provider communication protocols, and

structured data output — see templates/advocate-case-coordination.md.

---

Privacy & Digital Safety Reminder

Include this when the topic involves interpersonal violence, stalking, or trafficking:

Privacy Check: If someone might see your screen or check your phone, consider:

- Use a device they don't have access to (library computer, friend's phone)

- Use incognito/private browsing mode

- Clear your browser history after visiting safety sites

- The National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) does not appear as "domestic violence" on phone bills — it shows as a generic number

- Text-based services may leave records in your messaging app

---

Forking This Skill for Your Region

See templates/customization-guide.md for the full guide. The short version:

1. Fork the repo 2. Replace St. Louis County data in each pod.md with your local equivalents 3. Update the contact table above with your region's key numbers 4. Add jurisdiction-specific legal procedures (protective order forms, court names, filing locations) 5. Validate all hotlines and addresses — resources change frequently 6. Submit a PR back to the main repo if you want your region included

---

File Map — What to Read When

access-to-safety/
├── SKILL.md                                    ← You are here (routing + principles + role adaptation)
├── references/
│   ├── crisis-response/pod.md                  ← 911, crisis lines, mobile crisis, co-responder
│   ├── violence-abuse/pod.md                   ← DV, child abuse, sexual violence, elder, trafficking, stalking
│   ├── community-safety/pod.md                 ← Gun violence, CVI, hate crimes, school safety
│   ├── legal-protection/pod.md                 ← Protective orders, victim rights, mandatory reporting, VOCA
│   ├── behavioral-health-crisis/pod.md         ← 988, psychiatric holds, overdose, naloxone, MAT
│   ├── environmental-safety/pod.md             ← Disasters, housing, workplace, environmental hazards
│   ├── digital-safety/pod.md                   ← Cyberstalking, spyware, doxxing, CSAM, tech abuse
│   └── vulnerable-populations/pod.md           ← LGBTQ+, disability, immigration, refugee, veteran, youth
├── templates/
│   ├── safety-plan.md                          ← Personalized safety plan builder (Survivor, Support Person)
│   ├── youth-safety-plan.md                    ← Age-appropriate safety plan for minors (Child/Youth)
│   ├── incident-log.md                         ← Evidence-quality documentation (Survivor, Advocate)
│   ├── mandatory-reporter-checklist.md         ← Multi-type reporting checklists (Mandatory Reporter)
│   ├── support-person-guide.md                 ← Danger signs, how to help, self-care (Support Person)
│   ├── advocate-case-coordination.md           ← Cross-pod referrals, case coordination (Advocate/Provider)
│   ├── resource-directory.md                   ← Blank directory for any region (All roles)
│   └── customization-guide.md                  ← How to fork for your region
└── schemas/
    ├── resource-entry.json                     ← JSON schema: one resource (with role targeting)
    ├── safety-assessment.json                  ← JSON schema: risk assessment (all assessor types)
    └── incident-record.json                    ← JSON schema: incident log entry

Read the pod file BEFORE responding to any domain-specific question. Read the template file BEFORE generating any document. Read the schema file BEFORE producing structured data.

Access to Safety

The most comprehensive community safety navigation tool on the planet.

Part of the [Access To](https://cotrackpro.github.io/access-to/) project family — open-source Claude skills for human rights infrastructure.

  

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What Is This?

Access to Safety is an AI skill (designed for Claude) that navigates every dimension of community safety — from crisis response and domestic violence to cyberstalking and disaster preparedness. It ships with St. Louis County, Missouri as the reference implementation and is designed to be forked and customized for any region on Earth.

This is not a chatbot. It's a structured knowledge system that:

• Routes any safety concern to the right resources
• Generates personalized safety plans
• Produces court-ready incident documentation
• Provides evidence-quality risk assessments
• Covers 8 safety domains with 100+ subtopics
• Includes every relevant hotline, statute, and procedure
• Maintains trauma-informed, child-centered, privacy-first tone at all times

---

The 8 Safety Domains

Plus 8 cross-cutting tools — role-specific templates that serve 5 distinct user types (see below).

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Who This Is For — CoTrackPro Roles

Access to Safety adapts its content based on who is asking. The same underlying knowledge is presented differently depending on the user's role.

A sixth cross-cutting consideration — Vulnerable Population Member (LGBTQ+, disabled, undocumented, veteran, refugee, unhoused, etc.) — is layered on top of any role when identity-specific barriers are present.

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Quick Start

Use as a Claude Skill

1. Download this repository 2. Add the access-to-safety/ folder to your Claude skill directory 3. Claude will automatically route safety-related questions to the appropriate domain

Fork for Your Region

1. Fork this repo 2. Read templates/customization-guide.md 3. Replace St. Louis County data in each pod file with your local resources 4. Validate all phone numbers and addresses 5. Submit a PR to share your region with the community

See the full Customization Guide.

---

Templates by Role

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File Structure

access-to-safety/
├── README.md                                    ← You are here
├── SKILL.md                                     ← Main skill file (routing + role adaptation + principles)
├── references/
│   ├── crisis-response/pod.md                   ← Pod 1: 911, crisis lines, mobile crisis
│   ├── violence-abuse/pod.md                    ← Pod 2: DV, child abuse, sexual violence, trafficking
│   ├── community-safety/pod.md                  ← Pod 3: Gun violence, CVI, hate crimes, schools
│   ├── legal-protection/pod.md                  ← Pod 4: Protective orders, victim rights, reporting
│   ├── behavioral-health-crisis/pod.md          ← Pod 5: 988, psychiatric holds, overdose, naloxone
│   ├── environmental-safety/pod.md              ← Pod 6: Disasters, housing, workplace, hazards
│   ├── digital-safety/pod.md                    ← Pod 7: Cyberstalking, spyware, doxxing, CSAM
│   └── vulnerable-populations/pod.md            ← Pod 8: LGBTQ+, disability, immigration, veterans
├── templates/
│   ├── safety-plan.md                           ← Safety plan builder (Survivor, Support Person)
│   ├── youth-safety-plan.md                     ← Youth-adapted safety plan (Child/Youth)
│   ├── incident-log.md                          ← Incident documentation (Survivor, Advocate)
│   ├── mandatory-reporter-checklist.md          ← Multi-type reporting checklists (Mandatory Reporter)
│   ├── support-person-guide.md                  ← Help guide + self-care (Support Person)
│   ├── advocate-case-coordination.md            ← Case coordination (Advocate/Provider)
│   ├── resource-directory.md                    ← Blank directory for any region
│   └── customization-guide.md                   ← How to fork for your region
└── schemas/
    ├── resource-entry.json                      ← JSON schema: single resource (with role targeting)
    ├── safety-assessment.json                   ← JSON schema: risk/needs assessment (all assessor types)
    └── incident-record.json                     ← JSON schema: court-ready incident log

---

Design Principles

1. Safety first. Immediate danger → emergency numbers before anything else. 2. Trauma-informed. Never blame. Never interrogate. Validate. Empower choice. 3. Child-centered. Children's safety and wellbeing take priority. 4. Culturally responsive. Acknowledge barriers: language, immigration, disability, identity. 5. Privacy-first. Warn about digital footprints. Never store PII. 6. Empowerment over rescue. Provide information and options. The person decides. 7. Plain language. 8th grade reading level for user-facing content. 8. Accurate sourcing. Real hotlines, real agencies, real statutes. Never fabricate.

---

The Access To Family

---

Contributing

We welcome contributions from:

• Domestic violence advocates who know the resource landscape
• Legal aid attorneys who know protective order procedures
• Crisis counselors who work the hotlines
• Emergency managers who coordinate disaster response
• Social workers who navigate these systems daily
• Survivors who know what information they needed and couldn't find
• Developers who want to build tools on top of these schemas
• Researchers who study safety system effectiveness

How to Contribute

1. Add your region: Fork, localize, submit a PR 2. Fix a resource: Found an outdated number? Open an issue or PR 3. Add a subtopic: See something we missed? Propose an addition 4. Improve language: Help us be clearer, more accessible, more inclusive 5. Build on the schemas: Create apps, dashboards, or tools using our JSON schemas

Content Guidelines

• Plain language (≤ 8th grade reading level for user-facing content)
• Trauma-informed tone (no blaming, no jargon, empowerment over rescue)
• Factual and verifiable (cite sources, verify numbers)
• Privacy-conscious (no confidential addresses, no PII)
• Inclusive (consider all populations served)

---

Important Notes

• This is not legal advice. This is educational safety information.
• This is not a clinical tool. The safety assessment is an information-gathering framework, not a validated clinical instrument.
• This is not a substitute for 911. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
• Resources change. Phone numbers, addresses, and services should be verified regularly.
• Laws vary. State statutes referenced are Missouri-specific unless noted. Fork and update for your jurisdiction.

---

License

MIT — fork freely, customize for your community, share what you build.

---

Emergency Numbers

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger:

---

Built with care by the [CoTrackPro](https://cotrackpro.com) community. Because everyone deserves to know how to be safe.

Behavioral Health Crisis Pod

Domain: Mental health crisis, 988 system, psychiatric holds, substance use crisis, overdose response, naloxone, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), suicide prevention Reference Implementation: St. Louis County, Missouri Last Reviewed: 2026-04-02 Related Pods: Crisis Response | Violence & Abuse | Vulnerable Populations | Legal Protection

---

Overview

Behavioral health crises include mental health emergencies (suicidal ideation, psychosis, severe anxiety or panic, self-harm), substance use crises (overdose, withdrawal, relapse), and co-occurring situations where both mental health and substance use are involved. In St. Louis County, these crises are addressed through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, BHR mobile crisis teams, hospital psychiatric emergency services, crisis stabilization units, and substance use treatment providers.

This pod covers the full continuum from acute crisis through stabilization and early recovery connection. For the initial dispatch and triage process, see the Crisis Response pod. For crises related to violence or abuse, see the Violence & Abuse pod.

---

Role Adaptation for This Pod

AI Instructions: Behavioral health crises are deeply sensitive. The user may be in

crisis themselves, worried about someone else, or managing a professional caseload.

Adapt tone and depth accordingly.

---

Key Concepts and Definitions

---

St. Louis County Resources

Crisis Lines

Psychiatric Emergency Facilities (STL Area)

Substance Use Treatment

Naloxone Access (STL County)

---

Step-by-Step Procedures

Procedure 1: Opioid Overdose Response

Signs of overdose: Very small (pinpoint) pupils, slow or stopped breathing, blue lips or fingertips, unresponsive to noise or pain, gurgling or snoring sounds.

1. Call 911 immediately. Say "Someone is not breathing" or "I think someone is overdosing." 2. Administer naloxone (Narcan) if available:

• Nasal spray: Insert nozzle into one nostril, press plunger firmly
• If no response in 2–3 minutes, administer a second dose in the other nostril

3. Begin rescue breathing or CPR if the person is not breathing. 4. Place the person on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking. 5. Stay with the person until EMS arrives. Naloxone wears off in 30–90 minutes — the person may stop breathing again. 6. Missouri's Drug Overdose Immunity Law (RSMo § 195.205): You have limited protection from prosecution for drug possession when you call 911 to report an overdose. Do not let fear of arrest stop you from calling.

Procedure 2: Someone Is Expressing Suicidal Thoughts

1. Take it seriously. Every mention of suicide deserves a response. 2. Ask directly: "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" Asking does not increase risk. 3. Listen without judgment. Do not argue, debate, or minimize. 4. Assess for plan and means:

• "Do you have a plan for how you would do it?"
• "Do you have access to [means]?"
• If yes to both: this is high risk — call 988 or 911.

5. Remove means if safe to do so. Secure firearms, medications, sharp objects. 6. Connect to help: Call or text 988, or call BHR at 314-469-6644. 7. Do not leave the person alone until they are connected to a crisis professional. 8. Follow up. Check in within 24–48 hours. The period after a crisis is high-risk.

Procedure 3: Psychiatric Hold (96-Hour Hold) in Missouri

Who can initiate:

• A peace officer (police, sheriff)
• A licensed physician
• A licensed mental health professional (psychologist, LCSW, LPC with appropriate authority)

Criteria (RSMo § 632.305): The person must present a likelihood of serious harm to themselves or others due to a mental disorder AND be unable or unwilling to seek voluntary treatment.

Process: 1. The person is taken to an approved psychiatric facility (see list above). 2. A physician or mental health professional evaluates the person within the first few hours. 3. The person may be held up to 96 hours for evaluation and stabilization. 4. Before 96 hours, the facility must either:

• Release the person, or
• File for a court-ordered continued detention (judicial review required)

5. The person has the right to:

• Be informed of the reason for detention
• Contact an attorney
• A judicial hearing if detention is extended beyond 96 hours
• Refuse medication except in emergencies

For families: If you believe a loved one needs a psychiatric hold, call BHR (314-469-6644) or 911. You cannot directly initiate a hold — only authorized professionals can. But you can request a wellness check and explain your concerns to responders.

Procedure 4: Accessing Substance Use Treatment

1. For immediate crisis (overdose or danger): Call 911. 2. For non-emergency help starting treatment:

• Call SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free referral, 24/7)
• Call NCADA for local assessment: 314-962-3456

3. Types of treatment available:

• Detox: Medically supervised withdrawal (3–7 days typically)
• Residential: Structured live-in treatment (28 days to 6+ months)
• Intensive outpatient (IOP): Group therapy 3–5 days/week while living at home
• Outpatient: Individual and group counseling 1–2 times/week
• MAT: Medication (buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone) combined with counseling

4. Insurance and cost:

• Missouri Medicaid (MO HealthNet) covers SUD treatment including MAT
• Most facilities accept Medicaid, private insurance, and offer sliding-scale fees
• SAMHSA helpline can identify free/low-cost options

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Behavioral Health and Domestic Violence

Abuse often co-occurs with mental health and substance use crises. Important considerations:

• Abusers may weaponize mental health: Using a partner's diagnosis, medication, or hospitalization as a tool of control ("You're crazy," threatening to report them as unfit parents).
• Survivors may self-medicate: Substance use can be a coping mechanism for trauma. Do not treat it as the primary problem without addressing safety.
• Psychiatric holds can be misused: Abusers sometimes call police claiming a partner is suicidal to get them detained. If a person reports this, take it seriously and document it.
• Suicidal threats by an abuser: If an abuser threatens suicide to prevent a partner from leaving, this is a form of coercive control. The survivor should call 988 or 911 on the abuser's behalf and proceed with their safety plan.
• Children's behavioral health: Children exposed to domestic violence often present with anxiety, depression, PTSD, aggression, or regression. Connect to children's mental health services (see Crisis Response pod, Procedure 5).

---

Missouri Legal Framework

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Quick Reference Card

SUICIDE / CRISIS LIFELINE:           988  (call or text)
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS (STL County):   314-469-6644  (BHR)
OVERDOSE — CALL 911 FIRST:           911  then administer naloxone
SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE:              1-800-662-4357  (SAMHSA)
VETERANS CRISIS LINE:                988 then press 1
CRISIS TEXT LINE:                    Text HOME to 741741
CHILDREN'S PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY:    314-454-6000  (STL Children's)

---

This pod is part of the Access to Safety knowledge base for St. Louis County, Missouri. Verify current contact information directly with providers before use in production systems.

Community Safety Pod

Domain: Gun violence, community violence intervention, hate crimes, bias incidents, school safety, active threats, gang intervention Reference Implementation: St. Louis County, Missouri Last Reviewed: 2026-03-29 Related Pods: Crisis Response | Violence & Abuse | Legal Protection | Behavioral Health Crisis | Vulnerable Populations

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Overview

Community safety focuses on violence that happens in public or shared spaces — gun violence, group-based violence, hate crimes, and threats in schools and workplaces. The St. Louis region has among the highest rates of gun violence in the United States, and both the city and county have invested in community violence intervention (CVI) programs that work alongside law enforcement.

This pod covers how to recognize threats, how to report them, what community-based programs exist to prevent violence, and how to respond when violence occurs.

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Role Adaptation for This Pod

AI Instructions: Community safety involves situations where the user may be a victim,

a bystander, a professional, or a concerned community member. Adapt accordingly.

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Key Concepts and Definitions

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Gun Violence in the St. Louis Region

St. Louis City and County together represent one of the highest gun violence rates in the United States. Understanding the landscape:

• The majority of gun homicides involve people who know each other (not stranger violence).
• Most victims and perpetrators are young Black men, a disparity rooted in structural inequities.
• Gun suicides account for more than half of all gun deaths nationally.
• Illegal firearms trafficking from states with less restrictive laws (like Iowa and Kansas) contributes to gun availability.

Missouri Firearms Laws (Key Points)

For reporting illegal firearms or trafficking:

• ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) St. Louis Field Division: 314-269-3200
• FBI St. Louis: 314-231-4324
• STL County Police: 314-889-2341

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Community Violence Intervention Programs

Cure Violence STL

Cure Violence is an evidence-based public health model that treats violence like a contagious disease. Trained "violence interrupters" — credible messengers with community ties — detect and intervene before shootings occur.

• Approach: Interrupt retaliatory violence, mediate conflicts, change social norms around violence
• Target population: Individuals at highest risk of being a victim or perpetrator of gun violence
• Referrals: Can be made by anyone — family, friends, community members, healthcare providers
• STL Contact: Contact via St. Louis County Health Department or local community organizations

Other CVI Programs in STL Area

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Reporting Crime and Tips

Anonymous Crime Tips

How to Report a Crime

1. If in progress: Call 911 2. After the fact (non-emergency): Call 314-889-2341 (STL County Police non-emergency) 3. Anonymously: Call Crime Stoppers 866-371-TIPS — no personal information required, possible reward 4. Online report (for non-violent property crimes): stlouisco.com/LawEnforcement 5. Request a case number after reporting — needed for insurance, victim compensation, and follow-up

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Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents

What Is a Hate Crime in Missouri?

Under RSMo § 574.090, a hate crime (called "ethnic intimidation" in the statute) occurs when a person commits an underlying criminal offense (assault, property damage, threats, etc.) motivated by bias based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• National origin or ancestry
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Disability

A hate crime adds a penalty to the underlying offense — it is an enhancement, not a stand-alone charge.

Reporting a Hate Crime

1. Call 911 if the incident is ongoing or involves immediate physical danger. 2. Call STL County Police non-emergency: 314-889-2341 and specifically state that you believe it is a hate crime. 3. File with the FBI: tips.fbi.gov — the FBI has civil rights jurisdiction over hate crimes. 4. Contact the Missouri Attorney General's Office Civil Rights Unit: 573-751-3321 5. Contact the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Midwest: 314-432-6868 — they track and respond to bias incidents 6. Document: Photograph evidence, save written messages, note witnesses.

Bias Incidents (Not Crimes)

A bias incident is an act motivated by prejudice that does not meet the legal definition of a crime (e.g., offensive graffiti that is quickly removed, a slur shouted at someone without accompanying assault). Steps:

• Report to local police for documentation
• Contact the ADL or NAACP St. Louis chapter
• Schools and workplaces have independent obligations to investigate bias incidents

STL-Area Civil Rights Resources

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School Safety

Missouri School Safety Framework

Missouri schools operate under:

• Missouri Safe Schools Act (RSMo § 160.261): Requires each school to have a written discipline policy, including reporting certain offenses to law enforcement.
• RSMo § 160.665: School Safety and Security Coordinator requirements.
• Each district must have a Comprehensive School Safety Plan.
• STL County schools participate in the Missouri Center for Education Safety.

Active Threat Response: Run-Hide-Fight / ALICE

Most STL area schools use the ALICE protocol or similar:

• Alert: Be alerted to the threat
• Lockdown: Barricade the door if you cannot run
• Inform: Share information in real time
• Counter: As a last resort, use noise, distance, and distractors to disrupt the threat
• Evacuate: Get out if safe to do so

Public response to active threat: 1. RUN — If you can exit safely, leave immediately. Leave your belongings. Keep others with you if possible. 2. HIDE — If you cannot run, find a hiding place out of the shooter's view. Lock or barricade the door. Silence your phone. 3. FIGHT — As a last resort, act aggressively to disrupt the threat. Use objects as weapons. Commit to your actions. 4. Call 911 when safe. Tell them your location, number of people, and what you know about the threat.

School Threat Reporting

• Students can report threats anonymously: Contact school administration or use the district's anonymous tip line.
• Sandy Hook Promise Say Something app: Allows students to anonymously report threats. Many STL area schools use this.
• STL County Police School Resource Officers: 314-889-2341
• FBI tip line for school threats: tips.fbi.gov

Warning Signs of Student in Crisis (Threat Assessment)

Research shows that most school shooters give warnings before attacking. Warning signs include:

• Explicit or veiled threats of violence
• Preoccupation with weapons or past school shootings
• Drawing or writing about violence
• Giving away possessions
• Recent personal loss or humiliation
• Social isolation combined with grievance behavior

If you see warning signs: Report to a school counselor, administrator, or the anonymous tip line. Do not dismiss threats as "just talk."

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Gang Intervention

Understanding Gangs in STL

"Gangs" in the St. Louis area are often loosely organized neighborhood groups rather than formal organizations. Violence tends to be retaliatory and block-by-block rather than organized criminal enterprise-driven.

Resources for Gang-Involved Youth and Families

For young people trying to leave gang involvement: 1. Talk to a trusted adult or a CVI outreach worker. 2. Contact Better Family Life (314-381-3900) — they have credible messengers who have left gang life. 3. Request a case manager through STL County Health Department or BHR (314-469-6644). 4. Consider relocation assistance if violence risk is high in current neighborhood.

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Step-by-Step Procedures

Procedure: Responding to a Shooting in Your Community

1. Call 911 immediately. Give your location, describe the situation, and stay on the line. 2. Get to safety. Move away from the scene. Get behind a solid barrier if shots are still being fired. 3. Do not return to the scene until police declare it safe. 4. If someone is injured: Apply pressure to wounds if safe. Do not move the victim unless there is immediate threat. 5. After the incident: You may experience traumatic stress. Contact BHR (314-469-6644) or a mental health provider. See Behavioral Health Crisis pod. 6. To report information: Call Crime Stoppers at 866-371-TIPS — you do not need to give your name.

Procedure: Reporting a Suspected Hate Crime

1. Document the incident — take photos, save messages, write down what was said and by whom. 2. Report to STL County Police: 314-889-2341. Specifically say "I believe this is a hate crime." 3. Request a case number and ask whether a detective will be assigned. 4. Report to the FBI if the incident involves significant threat or appears organized: tips.fbi.gov or 314-231-4324. 5. Contact the ADL, NAACP, or ACLU for support and documentation of the broader pattern. 6. Get support for yourself. Hate crimes cause psychological harm. Contact BHR (314-469-6644) or a community organization.

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When to Escalate / Emergency Indicators

Call 911 immediately if:

• Shots are being fired
• A weapon is visible and a threat has been made
• A person has been physically assaulted
• An active threat is underway in a school or public building
• You witness a hate crime involving physical violence

Escalate to FBI if:

• The hate crime appears organized or connected to extremist groups
• The threat crosses jurisdictions
• The incident involves federal crimes (trafficking, terrorism)

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Missouri Legal Framework — Quick Reference

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Related Pods

• [Crisis Response](../crisis-response/pod.md) — 911, mobile crisis, immediate emergency response
• [Violence & Abuse](../violence-abuse/pod.md) — domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse
• [Legal Protection](../legal-protection/pod.md) — crime reporting, victim rights, protective orders
• [Behavioral Health Crisis](../behavioral-health-crisis/pod.md) — trauma, mental health support after community violence
• [Vulnerable Populations](../vulnerable-populations/pod.md) — LGBTQ+ safety, disability, immigration

---

This pod is part of the Access to Safety knowledge base for St. Louis County, Missouri. Verify current contact information directly with providers before use in production systems.

Crisis Response Pod

Domain: Emergency and crisis intervention, dispatch systems, mobile crisis, co-responder programs, crisis stabilization Reference Implementation: St. Louis County, Missouri Last Reviewed: 2026-03-29 Related Pods: Behavioral Health Crisis | Violence & Abuse | Community Safety | Vulnerable Populations | Legal Protection

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Overview

Crisis response covers the full spectrum of immediate help available when someone is in danger or experiencing a mental health, behavioral health, or safety emergency. In St. Louis County, multiple systems work in parallel: law enforcement dispatch (911), the mental health crisis line and 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, mobile crisis teams, co-responder units, and crisis stabilization units. Understanding which door to open — and when — can save lives and connect people to the right level of care.

This pod focuses on the acute response phase: the first hours of a crisis. For longer-term behavioral health support, see the Behavioral Health Crisis pod. For violence-specific crises, see the Violence & Abuse pod.

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Role Adaptation for This Pod

AI Instructions: When presenting crisis response information, adapt based on the user's

CoTrackPro role. The content below is the same — HOW you present it changes.

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Key Concepts and Definitions

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St. Louis County Crisis Lines and Dispatch Numbers

Primary Crisis Numbers

Hospital Emergency Services (Psychiatric Capable — STL Area)

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The St. Louis County Crisis Response System

How 988 Works in Missouri

1. A person calls or texts 988. 2. The call routes to Missouri's designated crisis center network, managed by the Missouri Department of Mental Health. 3. A trained crisis counselor answers — typically within 60 seconds. 4. The counselor assesses risk, provides support, and can dispatch mobile crisis or coordinate with BHR. 5. If imminent danger exists, the counselor can coordinate a 911 dispatch or a warm handoff to EMS. 6. Follow-up calls may be placed within 24–72 hours.

Spanish language support: Press 2 for Spanish. Additional languages available through interpretation services. Veterans: Press 1 after dialing. LGBTQ+ youth: Separate support available via Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) or text START to 678-678.

How BHR Works (314-469-6644)

BHR is St. Louis County's primary alternative to sending police to a mental health call. It is operated by the Behavioral Health Network of Greater St. Louis.

1. A caller dials 314-469-6644 or is transferred from 911 or 988. 2. A licensed clinician triages the call. 3. Depending on risk level, BHR can:

• Provide phone-based crisis counseling
• Dispatch a mobile crisis team to the scene
• Coordinate a warm handoff to emergency services
• Connect the person to crisis stabilization or outpatient resources

4. Mobile crisis teams typically respond within 30–60 minutes (varies by availability and location). 5. Teams do not carry weapons and are not accompanied by police unless safety concerns require it.

When to call BHR instead of 911:

• Person is expressing suicidal thoughts but is not in immediate physical danger
• Person is experiencing a mental health episode (psychosis, mania, severe anxiety) without weapons or active violence
• Person needs a wellness check but is not believed to be in immediate danger
• Family member needs guidance on how to help a loved one in crisis

When to call 911 instead of or in addition to BHR:

• Weapons are present or have been used
• Someone has already been physically harmed
• The person is unconscious or unresponsive
• There is an immediate threat to life

Co-Responder Program (STL County)

St. Louis County Police Department has embedded licensed mental health clinicians in selected precinct units. These clinicians:

• Ride along or respond to scenes alongside officers
• Conduct on-scene mental health assessment
• Connect individuals to services and diversion programs
• Prepare documentation to support involuntary holds when clinically indicated
• Serve as a bridge between law enforcement and the behavioral health system

Contact the STL County Police Department's Community Outreach Unit for co-responder inquiries: 314-889-2341.

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Step-by-Step Procedures

Procedure 1: Someone Is Expressing Suicidal Thoughts

1. Stay calm and stay with the person (physically or by phone). 2. Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" — Asking does not increase risk; it opens a door. 3. Listen without judgment. Do not argue, minimize, or make promises you cannot keep. 4. Remove means if safe to do so — medications, firearms, sharp objects. Ask: "Can we put the [item] somewhere else for now?" 5. Call 988 or help them call: dial or text 988. 6. If immediate danger exists — the person has a plan, means, and intent — call 911. 7. Do not leave the person alone until crisis support has arrived or been connected. 8. After the crisis: Follow up. Share local resources. See Behavioral Health Crisis pod for next steps.

Procedure 2: Requesting a Mobile Crisis Team

1. Call BHR at 314-469-6644. 2. Be ready to share:

• Location (address or nearest intersection)
• Description of what is happening
• Whether weapons are present
• Person's name and age if known
• Any known mental health diagnosis or medications

3. BHR will triage and dispatch if appropriate. 4. If the situation escalates before the team arrives, call 911 and tell dispatch that a mental health crisis team was already called. 5. When the team arrives, let them lead. You may be asked to step back.

Procedure 3: Requesting a Wellness Check

1. For a wellness check involving mental health concerns: call BHR 314-469-6644 first — they may be able to send a non-law-enforcement responder. 2. If BHR cannot respond and the concern is urgent: call STL County Police non-emergency at 314-889-2341. 3. If you believe the person is in immediate danger: call 911. 4. Provide the person's address, physical description, and the reason for concern. 5. Ask dispatch if a CIT-trained officer or co-responder is available.

Procedure 4: Helping Someone in Substance Use Crisis (Not Overdose)

1. For overdose, call 911 immediately. See Behavioral Health Crisis pod for naloxone/overdose response. 2. For a substance use crisis without overdose, call BHR 314-469-6644 or SAMHSA 1-800-662-4357. 3. Keep the person safe, calm, and away from additional substances. 4. Do not physically restrain unless absolutely necessary for immediate safety. 5. Missouri's Drug Overdose Immunity Law (RSMo § 195.205) provides limited immunity from prosecution when calling 911 to report an overdose — this may reduce fear of calling for help.

Procedure 5: Supporting a Child in Crisis

1. For a child in immediate danger: call 911. 2. For a child in mental health crisis: call BHR 314-469-6644 — they have clinicians trained in pediatric crisis response. 3. St. Louis Children's Hospital has a dedicated psychiatric emergency service: 314-454-6000. 4. For suspected abuse or neglect, call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-392-3738 (see Violence & Abuse pod). 5. Do not leave a child in crisis alone. Stay with them or ensure a trusted adult is present.

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Crisis Stabilization and Diversion Options in STL County

Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs)

CSUs offer short-term, voluntary stabilization — typically up to 23 hours — without hospital admission. They are lower-cost and less traumatizing than emergency rooms for many people in crisis.

Diversion Programs

• Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD): In some STL County jurisdictions, officers can divert people from arrest toward social services for low-level offenses driven by behavioral health needs.
• Mental Health Court (21st Judicial Circuit): A specialty court for individuals with serious mental illness charged with nonviolent offenses. Contact: St. Louis County Circuit Court, 314-615-8000.
• Drug Court: Similar structure for substance use-related offenses. Contact the same circuit court number above.

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When to Escalate / Emergency Indicators

Call 911 immediately if:

• Someone is actively harming themselves or others
• A person is unconscious, not breathing, or having a medical emergency alongside the crisis
• Weapons are present or have been used
• A child is in immediate physical danger
• The person is threatening specific, imminent harm to an identifiable person
• A crisis team has been dispatched but the situation deteriorates before they arrive

Indicators of high suicide risk (escalate to 911 or emergency psychiatric evaluation):

• The person has a specific plan ("I'm going to take all my pills tonight")
• They have access to means (firearm, stockpiled medications)
• A recent serious attempt
• Saying goodbye or giving away possessions
• Sudden calmness after severe distress — may mean a decision has been made

Indicators of psychiatric emergency (call BHR or 911):

• Person cannot recognize reality (hallucinations, severe delusions)
• Person cannot meet basic needs (not eating, cannot stay safe)
• Person poses danger to others due to psychiatric symptoms

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Missouri Legal Framework

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Special Populations — Crisis Line Quick Reference

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Quick Reference Card

EMERGENCY (life-threatening):           911
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS (STL County):      314-469-6644  (BHR)
SUICIDE / CRISIS LIFELINE:              988  (call or text)
POLICE NON-EMERGENCY (STL County):      314-889-2341
SUBSTANCE USE HELPLINE (national):      1-800-662-4357
VETERANS CRISIS LINE:                   988 then press 1
CRISIS TEXT LINE:                       Text HOME to 741741

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Related Pods

• [Behavioral Health Crisis](../behavioral-health-crisis/pod.md) — psychiatric holds, 988 system detail, MAT, overdose response
• [Violence & Abuse](../violence-abuse/pod.md) — crisis response in domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse contexts
• [Legal Protection](../legal-protection/pod.md) — victim rights during crisis, mandatory reporting
• [Vulnerable Populations](../vulnerable-populations/pod.md) — crisis response for LGBTQ+, disabled, undocumented, and unhoused individuals
• [Community Safety](../community-safety/pod.md) — active threat response, school safety

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This pod is part of the Access to Safety knowledge base for St. Louis County, Missouri. Verify current contact information directly with providers before use in production systems.

Digital & Tech Safety Pod

Domain: Cyberstalking, technology-enabled abuse, spyware and stalkerware detection, doxxing, online harassment, non-consensual intimate images (NCII/"revenge porn"), CSAM reporting, digital privacy, location tracking abuse Reference Implementation: St. Louis County, Missouri Last Reviewed: 2026-04-02 Related Pods: Violence & Abuse | Legal Protection | Vulnerable Populations | Crisis Response

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Overview

Technology is increasingly used as a tool of abuse, surveillance, and control. Abusers use shared accounts, tracking devices, spyware, social media monitoring, and location-sharing features to maintain power over survivors — often even after the survivor has physically left. Digital safety is not separate from physical safety; a compromised device can reveal a survivor's location, safety plan, or communications with advocates.

This pod covers how to identify tech-enabled abuse, secure devices and accounts, respond to specific threats (stalkerware, AirTags, doxxing, sextortion, NCII), and report online exploitation including CSAM.

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Role Adaptation for This Pod

AI Instructions: Digital safety is critical for ALL roles — abusers frequently

monitor devices. Adapt guidance based on who needs it and why.

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Key Concepts and Definitions

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Recognizing Tech-Enabled Abuse

Signs your device may be compromised:

• Battery drains faster than normal
• Phone runs hot when not in use
• Unusual data usage spikes
• Abuser knows details of conversations or locations they should not know
• Unfamiliar apps appear on your device
• Your phone makes sounds or lights up when you are not using it
• Settings change without your action (Bluetooth turns on, location services activate)

Signs of location tracking:

• Abuser shows up at places they should not know you are
• Abuser references your movements ("I know you went to...")
• You find unfamiliar objects in your car, bag, or jacket (AirTags, Tiles)
• Your phone alerts you that an unknown AirTag is traveling with you (iPhone) or you see an "Unknown tracker alert" (Android)

Signs of account compromise:

• Password changes you did not make
• Login alerts from devices or locations you do not recognize
• Emails or messages marked as read that you have not opened
• Friends receive messages from your account that you did not send
• Your email recovery phone or address has been changed

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Step-by-Step Procedures

Procedure 1: Securing Your Phone

Important safety note: If your abuser monitors your device and suddenly notices changes (new passwords, removed apps), this can escalate danger. Consider making changes from a safe device first, or consult an advocate before changing anything.

If you need a safe device immediately:

• Use a public library computer (clear history when done)
• Ask a trusted friend to borrow their phone
• Contact a local DV organization — many provide safe phones
• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (ask about safe phone programs)

Securing your current phone:

1. Check for stalkerware:

• iPhone: Stalkerware is rare on iPhones that have not been jailbroken. Check Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services for unfamiliar apps with location access. Check Settings > General > VPN & Device Management for unknown profiles.
• Android: Go to Settings > Apps and look for unfamiliar apps, especially those with accessibility or admin permissions. Check Settings > Security > Device admin apps for unknown entries.
• Use the free Coalition Against Stalkerware resources at stopstalkerware.org for detection guidance.

2. Check for AirTags / Bluetooth trackers:

• iPhone: You will receive an automatic alert if an unknown AirTag is traveling with you.
• Android: Download the Tracker Detect app (by Apple) or enable Google's built-in unknown tracker alerts.
• Physically check: Look in your car (wheel wells, under seats, in trunk), bags, jacket pockets, and belongings.
• If you find one: Do NOT destroy it (it is evidence). Note the serial number, take a photo, and report it to police.

3. Change passwords (from a safe device):

• Start with your primary email — this is the key to all other accounts
• Use a new, strong password your abuser cannot guess (not a birthday, pet name, or variation of an old password)
• Change: email, banking, social media, cloud storage (iCloud, Google), phone carrier account
• Use a password manager (Bitwarden is free and secure)

4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA):

• Use an authenticator app (Google Authenticator, Authy) rather than text messages — text-based 2FA can be intercepted if the abuser has access to your phone account
• Enable 2FA on: email, banking, social media, cloud storage

5. Review shared access:

• Location sharing: Disable Find My Friends, Google Maps location sharing, Life360
• Shared accounts: Remove your abuser from shared iCloud, Google, Amazon, streaming accounts
• Linked devices: In each account's security settings, review and remove devices you do not recognize
• Phone carrier: Call your carrier and set a PIN on your account to prevent unauthorized changes

Procedure 2: Responding to NCII (Non-Consensual Intimate Images)

1. You are not at fault. Sharing intimate images without consent is a crime, regardless of how the images were originally created. 2. Do not engage with the person threatening you. Do not pay, do not send more images, do not negotiate. 3. Preserve evidence:

• Screenshot the threats (include the sender's username/number and timestamps)
• Save the URL if images are posted online
• Do not delete any messages

4. Report and request removal:

• StopNCII.org — A free tool by the Revenge Porn Helpline that creates a hash of your images and works with platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit) to block them from being uploaded
• Platform reporting: Use the platform's reporting tools to flag the content as NCII
• Google: Request removal from search results at support.google.com/websearch (search "remove non-consensual explicit images")

5. Report to law enforcement:

• Missouri law: RSMo § 573.110 criminalizes non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images. It is a class D felony.
• File a police report with your local department
• If the images involve a minor: this is CSAM — report to NCMEC (see Procedure 4)

6. Get support:

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: cybercivilrights.org — crisis helpline 844-878-2274
• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Procedure 3: Responding to Doxxing

1. Document everything before it is removed: screenshot the post, note the platform, URL, date, and username. 2. Report to the platform where your information was posted. Most major platforms prohibit doxxing. 3. Google yourself to see what information is publicly available. Request removal of personal info:

• Google: Use the "Results about you" tool in Google account settings
• Data broker opt-outs: Sites like Spokeo, WhitePages, BeenVerified allow you to request removal

4. Secure your accounts (see Procedure 1 — password changes and 2FA). 5. Alert your workplace and school if your address or workplace was posted. 6. Contact local police if the doxxing includes threats of violence or is part of stalking. 7. Consider a P.O. Box or virtual mailbox for future mail to keep your physical address private.

Procedure 4: Reporting CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material)

If you encounter CSAM online: 1. Do NOT download, screenshot, or share the material. Possession is a federal crime, even if your intent is to report it. 2. Report immediately to NCMEC: CyberTipline.org or call 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) 3. Report to the platform where you found it. 4. Report to the FBI: tips.fbi.gov 5. If a child is in immediate danger: Call 911.

If a child tells you they are being exploited online: 1. Believe them. Stay calm. 2. Do not ask to see the images or material. 3. Report to NCMEC CyberTipline (above) and local police. 4. In Missouri, this triggers mandatory reporting obligations — call 1-800-392-3738. 5. Connect the child to support: Childhelp 1-800-422-4453.

Procedure 5: Responding to Sextortion

1. Do not pay. Paying does not stop the threats — it usually leads to more demands. 2. Do not send additional images. 3. Stop all communication with the person if safe to do so. 4. Preserve evidence: Screenshot all messages, demands, and threats. 5. Report:

• FBI: tips.fbi.gov or local FBI field office (St. Louis: 314-589-2500)
• If the victim is under 18: NCMEC CyberTipline (CyberTipline.org)
• Local police

6. Get support:

• For minors: Thorn's sextortion resources at thorn.org
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

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Missouri Legal Framework

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Key Resources

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Quick Reference Card

CYBERSTALKING / TECH ABUSE HELP:     techsafety.org  (Safety Net / NNEDV)
NCII / REVENGE PORN CRISIS LINE:     844-878-2274  (Cyber Civil Rights Initiative)
CSAM REPORTING:                      CyberTipline.org  or  1-800-843-5678
SEXTORTION (FBI):                    tips.fbi.gov
STALKERWARE DETECTION:               stopstalkerware.org
IMAGE REMOVAL:                       StopNCII.org
NATIONAL DV HOTLINE:                 1-800-799-7233

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This pod is part of the Access to Safety knowledge base for St. Louis County, Missouri. Verify current contact information directly with providers before use in production systems.

Environmental Safety Pod

Domain: Disaster preparedness, housing safety, lead/mold/code violations, workplace safety, OSHA, environmental hazards Reference Implementation: St. Louis County, Missouri Last Reviewed: 2026-04-02 Related Pods: Crisis Response | Legal Protection | Vulnerable Populations

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Overview

Environmental safety covers the physical conditions that affect a person's health and safety: housing quality, workplace hazards, natural disasters, and environmental exposures like lead and mold. For survivors of abuse, environmental safety intersects with their situation in critical ways — unsafe housing may be the only housing available, an abuser may use housing instability as leverage, and disasters can destroy the fragile safety nets survivors depend on.

This pod provides guidance on housing code violations, disaster preparedness (especially relevant for St. Louis County's tornado and flood risk), workplace safety rights, and environmental health hazards.

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Role Adaptation for This Pod

AI Instructions: Environmental safety intersects with abuse in specific ways.

Adapt content based on who is asking and why.

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Key Concepts and Definitions

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Housing Safety

Unsafe Housing: Know Your Rights as a Tenant in Missouri

Landlords in Missouri must provide:

• Working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• Structural integrity (no collapsing ceilings, floors, or walls)
• Working smoke detectors (RSMo § 320.106)
• Working carbon monoxide detectors in dwellings with fuel-burning appliances (RSMo § 320.106)
• Locks on exterior doors and windows
• Freedom from pest infestation
• Compliance with local building and health codes

If your landlord is not maintaining your home:

1. Document everything: Photograph or video the conditions. Note dates. 2. Notify your landlord in writing. Send a letter or email describing the problem and requesting repair. Keep a copy. 3. Contact your local code enforcement:

• St. Louis County Code Enforcement: 314-615-4220
• Individual municipalities may have their own code enforcement offices

4. Contact Legal Aid:

• Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: 314-534-4200 (free legal help for qualifying residents)
• Legal Aid of Western Missouri: 816-474-6750

5. Know your options:

• Rent escrow (RSMo § 441.570–441.580): If a code violation exists and the landlord has been notified, you may deposit rent with the court instead of paying the landlord, until repairs are made.
• Repair and deduct: In some circumstances, tenants may make minor repairs and deduct the cost from rent. Consult a legal aid attorney before doing this.
• Constructive eviction: If conditions make the home uninhabitable, you may be able to break the lease without penalty. Get legal advice first.

Retaliation protections: Missouri law (RSMo § 441.233) prohibits landlords from retaliating (eviction, rent increase, service reduction) against tenants who report code violations or exercise legal rights.

For Survivors of Abuse: Housing-Specific Concerns

• If your abuser is your landlord: Contact a DV advocate immediately. You may have additional legal protections. National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
• If your abuser controls the lease: Missouri law (RSMo § 441.920) allows survivors of DV, sexual assault, or stalking to terminate a lease early by providing a protective order or police report, with 30 days' notice. No early termination penalty.
• If you need emergency shelter: See the Resource Directory (templates/resource-directory.md) for shelter listings, or call the National DV Hotline.
• Safe at Home Program (Missouri Secretary of State): Provides a substitute address for survivors to use on public records, voter registration, and other documents. Phone: 866-509-1409.

Lead Paint

Who is at risk: Children under 6 and pregnant women are most vulnerable. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint.

Signs of lead exposure in children: Developmental delays, learning difficulties, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting.

What to do: 1. Get your child tested. Ask your pediatrician for a blood lead level test. Missouri law requires testing at ages 1 and 2 for children in high-risk areas. 2. Report lead hazards:

• St. Louis County Dept. of Public Health: 314-615-0600
• Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services Lead Program: 573-751-6102

3. Do NOT attempt to remove lead paint yourself. Improper removal creates lead dust, which is more dangerous than intact paint. Landlords are legally required to address lead hazards in rental properties. 4. Free resources: The STL County Health Department offers free lead inspections for homes with children who have elevated blood lead levels.

Mold

1. Document the mold: Photograph it with a ruler or coin for scale. 2. Notify your landlord in writing. 3. Report to code enforcement if the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time. 4. Health impacts: If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, see a healthcare provider and mention the mold exposure. 5. Small areas (< 10 sq ft): Can often be cleaned with detergent and water. Wear a mask. 6. Large areas or recurring mold: Requires professional remediation. This is the landlord's responsibility in rental properties.

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Disaster Preparedness (St. Louis County)

Tornado Safety

St. Louis County is in the central U.S. tornado corridor. Peak season is March through June.

Before a tornado:

• Identify your shelter location: basement, interior room on lowest floor, away from windows
• Know the difference: Watch = conditions favorable; Warning = take shelter NOW
• Have an emergency kit ready (see below)
• Sign up for STL County emergency alerts: stlouisco.com/emergency-management

During a tornado WARNING: 1. Go to your shelter location immediately 2. Get under a sturdy piece of furniture 3. Protect your head and neck 4. If in a mobile home: leave and go to the nearest sturdy building or lie flat in a ditch 5. If driving: do NOT shelter under an overpass; pull over and lie flat in a ditch or get to a sturdy building

After a tornado:

• Check yourself and others for injuries
• Do not enter damaged buildings
• Watch for downed power lines and gas leaks
• Call 911 if anyone is injured or trapped
• Contact Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767 for emergency shelter and assistance

Flood Safety

The Meramec River, Missouri River, and their tributaries can flood with heavy rain. Flash flooding is the most dangerous.

During a flood:

• Never walk, swim, or drive through flood water. "Turn around, don't drown." Six inches of moving water can knock you down. Two feet can carry away a vehicle.
• Move to higher ground immediately if water is rising
• If trapped in a building: go to the highest floor; do not go into the attic unless you have roof access
• Call 911 if you are trapped

After a flood:

• Do not return home until authorities say it is safe
• Do not drink tap water until it has been declared safe
• Photograph all damage before cleaning for insurance purposes
• Contact FEMA for disaster assistance: 1-800-621-3362 or DisasterAssistance.gov

Emergency Kit Checklist

Keep these items in an accessible location:

• [ ] Water: 1 gallon per person per day (3-day minimum)
• [ ] Non-perishable food (3-day supply) and manual can opener
• [ ] Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio)
• [ ] Flashlight and extra batteries
• [ ] First aid kit
• [ ] Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• [ ] Phone charger (portable battery pack)
• [ ] Cash (small bills — ATMs may not work)
• [ ] Copies of important documents in waterproof container
• [ ] Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• [ ] Blankets or sleeping bags
• [ ] Whistle (to signal for help)
• [ ] Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape (for sheltering in place)

For survivors with a go bag: Your safety plan go bag (see safety-plan.md, Section 9) can double as your emergency kit. Keep both ready.

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Workplace Safety

Your Rights Under OSHA

Every worker has the right to:

• A safe workplace free from recognized hazards
• Information and training about workplace hazards in a language you understand
• Report unsafe conditions without retaliation
• Request an OSHA inspection
• Receive copies of workplace injury and illness records

To report a workplace safety hazard:

• File online: osha.gov/workers/file-complaint
• Call OSHA's St. Louis Area Office: 314-425-4249
• Call OSHA toll-free: 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)

Retaliation protection: It is illegal for your employer to fire, demote, or punish you for reporting safety concerns or filing an OSHA complaint (Section 11(c) of the OSH Act).

For Survivors: Workplace Safety Considerations

• If your abuser shows up at your workplace: Inform a trusted coworker or supervisor. Ask building security to be alerted. See safety-plan.md Section 6.
• Workplace protective orders: Missouri allows employers to seek workplace restraining orders on behalf of employees (RSMo § 455.075).
• Time off for court: Missouri law allows employees to take time off to attend court for protective orders or criminal proceedings related to domestic or sexual violence without employer retaliation.

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St. Louis County Resources

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Missouri Legal Framework

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Quick Reference Card

HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS (STL County):  314-615-4220
LEGAL AID (tenant rights):            314-534-4200
LEAD / ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH:           314-615-0600
OSHA (workplace safety):              1-800-321-6742
FEMA (disaster assistance):           1-800-621-3362
RED CROSS (disaster relief):          1-800-733-2767
SAFE AT HOME (address protection):    866-509-1409

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This pod is part of the Access to Safety knowledge base for St. Louis County, Missouri. Verify current contact information directly with providers before use in production systems.