Love Is Kind: Supporting Healthy Relationships and Knowing Your Resources

July 27 is National Love Is Kind Day, a reminder that healthy relationships are built on kindness, respect, trust, and safety. It is also an opportunity to recognize the importance of supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence and ensuring employees know where to turn for help.

At Missouri State University, we believe employee well-being extends beyond the workplace. Our benefits and campus resources are designed to support employees through all stages of life—including times when additional support, safety planning, or assistance may be needed.

💙 Love Should Never Hurt

Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication, trust, and support. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It may also include emotional, verbal, psychological, financial, sexual, or digital abuse.

Domestic violence often involves patterns of behaviors intended to gain power and control over another person. Warning signs may include:

• Extreme jealousy or possessiveness
• Constant criticism, humiliation, or insults
• Isolation from family, friends, or coworkers
• Monitoring phone calls, text messages, social media, or location
• Controlling finances or limiting access to money
• Threats toward a partner, children, pets, or loved ones
• Damaging personal property
• Intimidation, manipulation, or coercion
• Physical violence or threats of violence
• Preventing someone from leaving home, going to work, or participating in everyday activities

Domestic violence can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, occupation, or background. Abuse is never the victim’s fault. Recognizing warning signs and knowing available resources can help individuals seek support when they need it most.

🆘 Support & Resources

🏫 Safety & Immediate Support

Missouri State University University Safety

University Safety provides support for students, employees, and visitors and is available to assist with safety concerns on campus.

University Safety (24/7): 417-836-5509

Additional campus safety resources include:

• Safe Walk services
• Blue Light Emergency Telephones
• Bear Shield mobile safety app
• Missouri State Alert emergency notifications

The Bear Shield app provides quick access to campus safety resources, emergency assistance, safety tips, and important notifications. Downloading the app before an emergency can help ensure you are prepared.

💙 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Support is available when you or a member of your household needs help.

Missouri State University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential support for full-time and part-time employees and members of their household at no cost.

Services may include:

• Confidential counseling
• Relationship and family support
• Stress management
• Financial and legal resources
• Referrals to community resources

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year:

📞 314-729-4600, option 2
📞 1-800-413-8008, option 2

🧠 Mental Health Support

Mental health care is an important part of overall well-being.

Employees enrolled in a Missouri State University medical plan may access behavioral health benefits through their health plan.

Magers Health and Wellness Center
📞 417-836-4000

⚖️ Leave for Survivors

Employees who have experienced domestic or sexual violence—or who have a family or household member who has experienced domestic or sexual violence—may be eligible for leave protections.

Eligible employees may take up to two workweeks (10 days) of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for purposes such as:

• Seeking medical care or recovering from injuries
• Receiving counseling or victim services
• Developing a safety plan
• Relocating to a safer residence
• Meeting with attorneys or attending court proceedings
• Assisting an eligible family or household member

For additional information, review Missouri State University Policy 7.21 or contact Human Resources for confidential assistance.

🌎 Community Resources

Support is available beyond the workplace. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, local organizations can provide confidential support, safety planning, advocacy, and connections to additional services.

🏠 Springfield Domestic Violence Resources

The Springfield community provides resources to support individuals impacted by domestic violence, including education, support services, and safety planning information.

Domestic Violence Awareness Resources
Safety Planning Resource
A safety plan can help individuals think through steps to increase personal safety, prepare for emergencies, and identify supportive resources.

🏡 Shelters and Local Support Services

The DomesticShelters.org Springfield resource directory connects individuals with local domestic violence programs and shelters that provide services such as:

• Emergency shelter
• Crisis intervention
• Safety planning
• Advocacy services
• Counseling
• Legal resources
• Support groups

DomesticShelters.org – Springfield, Missouri Resources

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

💛 Supporting One Another

You may not always know what someone is experiencing outside of work. A coworker, friend, or family member may be navigating challenges that are not visible.

If someone shares their experience with you:

• Listen without judgment.
• Believe what they share.
• Respect their privacy.
• Encourage them to connect with available resources.
• Contact emergency services if there is an immediate safety concern.

You do not have to have all the answers. Sometimes the most meaningful support is helping someone connect with the right resources.

💙 You Are Not Alone

National Love Is Kind Day reminds us that everyone deserves relationships built on kindness, dignity, respect, and safety.

Missouri State University is committed to supporting the well-being of our employees. Whether you need confidential counseling, workplace resources, safety assistance, leave information, or community support, help is available.

You are not alone.