Resources for Missouri Crime Victims
Find support, understand your rights, and learn when property owners can be held responsible
You Have More Options Than You Think
Being a crime victim in Missouri means you have access to support, compensation, and legal rights. We've organized resources by the type of crime and where it happened: because both matter when it comes to understanding your full range of options.
Beyond immediate support and victim compensation, many crime victims don't realize they may have a civil claim against the property owner where the crime occurred. When property owners fail to provide adequate security, Missouri law may hold them liable.
Criminal Cases vs. Civil Claims: You Can Pursue Both
Many crime victims don't realize they have two separate legal paths: the criminal case against your attacker, and a potential civil lawsuit against the property owner whose security failures may have contributed to the crime.
The Criminal Case
- The state prosecutes the person who harmed you
- Can result in jail time or probation
- You have victim rights but the prosecutor controls the case
- Court-ordered restitution is possible but hard to collect
A Civil Lawsuit (Premises Liability)
- You sue the property owner for failing to provide adequate security
- Seeks full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain & suffering
- You and your attorney control all decisions
- Property owners usually have insurance coverage
Important: You can pursue both at the same time. The criminal case doesn't affect your right to file a civil lawsuit against the property owner, and vice versa. They're completely separate legal processes.
Understanding Your Situation
The Type of Crime Shapes Your Legal Options
What happened to you matters. Different crimes have different legal considerations, including whether property owners failed in their duty to protect you. Find information relevant to your situation.
Shootings
High-risk locations need security presence and surveillance. Property owners must address foreseeable gun violence.
Stabbings
Weapon screening, security personnel, and response protocols. Owners must prevent foreseeable violent attacks.
Aggravated Assault
Security staff, lighting, and crowd control. Property owners have a duty to prevent foreseeable violence.
Sexual Assault
Proper locks, lighting, surveillance, and patrols. Property owners must protect against foreseeable assaults.
Robbery
Working cameras, adequate lighting, and security presence. Owners are responsible for foreseeable property crimes.
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Where It Happened Can Change Everything
Property owners (including gas stations, apartments, hotels, parking lots, and bars) have a legal duty to maintain reasonably safe premises. When they fail to provide adequate security and someone gets hurt, Missouri law may hold them accountable. Learn how premises liability applies to your situation.
Gas Station Incidents
Lighting, cameras, and staffing standards matter. High-crime locations require heightened security measures.
Apartment & Housing
Security gates, locks, and access controls. Landlords have responsibilities for common area safety.
Hotels & Motels
Guest safety protocols, door locks, and surveillance. Hotels must protect visitors from foreseeable harm.
Parking Lots & Garages
Visibility, patrols, and lighting standards. Owners must address known crime risks in parking areas.
Bars & Nightclubs
Crowd management, security staff, and ejection practices. Establishments must control dangerous situations.
Find Help in Your Area
Local resources and experienced attorneys in Missouri's major cities. Get information specific to where you live.
St. Louis
Connect with victim services, legal support, and attorneys handling premises liability cases across the St. Louis metro area.
Kansas City
Find victim advocates, compensation assistance, and experienced negligent security attorneys in the Kansas City area.
Springfield
Local victim resources, counseling services, and legal help for premises liability claims in Springfield and the Ozarks.
Outside these areas? Contact us for statewide resources and attorney connections throughout Missouri
Violent Crime in Missouri: The Numbers Tell a Story
Data-driven insights reveal patterns of crime across Missouri, helping establish when property owners should have known to provide better security.
Why This Matters for Your Case: Historical crime data at a location establishes "foreseeability," a key element in premises liability claims. If crime was predictable and security was inadequate, property owners may be liable.
Data source: FBI's Crime Data Explorer
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Complete the form for a free case evaluation from a crime victim attorney. Our consultation is completely confidential, and there's no obligation.
Your Complete Resource Hub
From immediate crisis support to understanding your legal options: find everything you need in one place.
Your Rights in Missouri
Constitutional protections and victim rights throughout the criminal justice process
Learn your rightsVictim Compensation Program
State fund for medical bills, counseling, lost wages, and more
How to applyPremises Liability Claims
When property owners can be held liable for inadequate security with full compensation available
Explore your optionsFree Legal Consultation
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Schedule consultationCommon Questions
25 FAQs covering rights, compensation, premises liability, and working with attorneys
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