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Carroll County's Only Lifeline for Survivors of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking

Providing support, advocacy, resources, education and empowerment to break cycles of violence.

How We Help Survivors Escape & Rebuild

We provide critical services to help clients navigate crisis, find safety, and rebuild their lives free from violence. Wherever you are in your survivor journey, we're here to reconnect you to safety, options, and yourself—so you can rebuild.

24/7 Crisis Line

Immediate support, safety planning, and resources available day or night when you need it most.

Safe Emergency Lodging

Safe, temporary, undisclosed place to stay for a few nights while moving from crisis to planning.

Advocacy and Healing

Trained advocates accompany you on your journey through systems with trauma-informed support & counseling referrals.

Community Resources

Assistance with planning, applications, accessing community services, and achieving financial independence.

Need Help? We're Here for You

Call or text our 24/7 crisis line at 479-981-1676. If you're in immediate danger, please call 911. All services are free and confidential.



Curious how we can help? If you're in or fear you may be close to crisis, we urge you to call us 24/7. Here's some commonly asked questions about how we can help you and the services we provide.

What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence, often disguised in secrecy and silence, is a form of abuse that can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, background, or socioeconomic status. At its core, it involves dynamics of power and control. Below are a few types of abuse:
  • Physical: hitting, slapping, pushing, blocking, choking or any other act causing physical harm
  • Emotional: verbal attacks, humiliation, intimidation, control and criticism eroding self-worth
  • Sexual: forcing or coercing sexual acts, including sexual humiliation, without consent
  • Financial: controlling financial resources, not allowing work, withholding money, restricting freedom
  • Digital: using technology (ex: texting, social media), to stalk, harass, threaten or intimidate
Can you help with restraining orders or no contact orders?
Yes, we assist clients in the detailed process and court appearances required to file for and uphold restraining orders and no contact orders in Carroll County. For more information on what each of these are and how they differ, here's Carroll County's FAQs.
How can I delete my browsing history?
You can find detailed instructions for all browsers here.
How can you help me escape?
Call our Crisis Line anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we'll explore options.
Do you have a shelter I can stay in (with my children)?
Carroll County does not currently have an emergency shelter. If you're able to relocate to another county, we can help you find emergency shelter in neighboring counties. We appreciate that relocating adds additional challenge to an already challenging situation, however. So we work with a network of vetted and undisclosed places to offer temporary stays for safety.
Do you offer any support groups, trauma recovery, or similar programs or resources?
We do. We host trauma-informed yoga and support classes and work to connect you with local providers for additional support and care. Contact us or visit our Facebook for more information.

Our Story & Mission

Just for Laura sign

The Purple Flower, established in 2014, contributes to an ecosystem of community care committed to the safety and dignity of all by providing support, advocacy, resources, education and empowerment to break cycles of violence and heal trauma from domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Carroll County, AR.

How We Began

On Dec 31, 2012, a young mother, Laura Aceves, lost her life trying to escape her abuser. She was murdered, with her 4 month old child left by her side. At that time, we learned there were no services for victims in the county.

The Purple Flower grew out of a response to Laura's death, so that no more people would be without help in Carroll County, AR.

Your Support Changes Lives

Most cases go unreported, so numbers cannot fully represent the reality of need in our community.

308

Survivors served in 2023

100%

Of donations stay local

130%

Increase in client needs since 2020

"The Purple Flower saved my life. When I had nowhere else to turn, they helped me find a safe place and connected me with resources to rebuild in the most challenging time. I'm now living independently, employed, and my kids are safe."

— Anonymous Survivor

You Can Be Their First Step to Safety

Victims' needs have increased 130% since 2020, and it costs an average of $900 each to serve them. We can't keep up without you! Every contribution and donation makes a difference in a client's life—and our entire community.

Amazon Wishlist

Purchase essential items directly for clients and our operations.

View Wishlist

Volunteer With Us

Join our team of volunteers making a difference in survivors' lives.

Learn More

More Ways to Give

Donate needed supplies, invite us to speak, build our referral network & more.

Ways to Give

"I don't even want to imagine what would have happened had it not been for the Purple Flower helping me to safety and navigating all the systems we had to go through just to stay alive—and then getting back on our feet. It's amazing how impersonal and isolating such a vulnerable experience can feel like... with all the forms, legal hoops, interviews... When I think of all the people who've helped us escape what felt impossible, my kids and I are especially grateful we got to stay in our community with angels, our church, and our schools."

— Anonymous Survivor

FAQs

We're honored to have so many community members interested in helping out. Here's a few FAQs to help you help us as we scale our volunteer and giving programs.

How does domestic violence impact our county and community?
Local Impact of Domestic Violence:
  • COMMUNITY: Immediate danger to friends, families, neighbors, coworkers plus far-reaching negative impacts to shared economic, employment, educational and social landscape
  • FINANCIAL: $27M+ is the estimated cost to Carroll County each year from continued cycles of abuse without adequate intervention and prevention (based on NIH calculations).
  • EMPLOYERS: Lost productivity from employees missing work, increased physical and mental health care, and potential workplace violence opening legal/liability issues
  • INDIVIDUALS: Physical harm plus long-term emotional distress, social isolation, perceived helplessness, depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, anger, PTSD
  • CHILDREN: Physical danger plus long-term emotional, behavioral and developmental impacts such as depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, anger and difficulty learning and forming healthy relationships
How can I get involved as a volunteer?
Due to the nature of our services, some volunteer opportunities require additional screening and onboarding. Whatever level of involvement you're interested in, once you begin the application process, you'll be the first to hear as soon as we have volunteer opportunties that match your preferences and availability.
I'm a Service Professional that would like to provide translation services, counseling, legal, therapeutic, or other licensed care to your clients. Who should I reach out to?
Thank you! Clients in various stages of crisis and stabilization often need support from professionals like you. We offer referrals where and when we can, but many cannot afford to pay for professional support.

If you would like to be added to our referrals list, especially if you are willing to donate your services pro bono or at a reduced rate, please submit this brief form including your contact information and a link to the services you provide.

We look forward to connecting and appreciate you reaching out.
I signed up on a Volunteer List while at an event. When can I expect to hear back from you?
Thank you for taking the time to give us your contact information. As of September 2025, we've been manually entering contact information from paper lists into our new Volunteer Management system. This sometimes results in typos, so if you haven't received an email from us in over a month, please accept our sincerest apology and click here to begin the application process.

By registering, you can also join our mailing list to receive updates on other initiatives, along with volunteer opportunties, as they develop.
Do you accept donations of clothes, household items or old phones? What do your clients need?
Our office has limited space, so please take clothes and household items to local thrift stores (ex: St. Vincent dePaul in Berryville or ECHO Thrift in Eureka Springs) where our clients are able to get what they need for free.

The most useful in-kind donations are cell phones and new bulk supplies for “go bags” we provide to clients staying in temporary emergency safe lodging. Accepted items may be dropped off at our office during regular business hours:
  • Used, unlocked phones—to donate a phone, it must not be tied to a specific cell service provider (Verizon, AT&T, etc.). Please contact your provider for instructions on how to unlock your phone before bringing it in.
  • Personal Hygiene Products—toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, combs, brushes, socks, underwear, travel-size shampoo, tampons and pads, etc.
  • Shelf-stable food that doesn’t require refrigeration and can be heated up in a microwave.
  • Condiment packets and utensils—sealed & clean

You can also buy direct from our Amazon Wish List!

Where and when can I drop off supplies?
You can drop off supplies anytime during regular business hours at our office in Berryville.
Can you speak or table at our event?
We'd be honored to be included in your event. The best way to start a conversation is to email us at info@thepurpleflower.org. Please include as much as you can about your event, including the dates, time, and location. We look forward to connecting.
Do you have an Amazon Wish List?
We do! You can purchase essential items directly for clients and our operations from our Amazon Wishlist.
Are you related to The Purple House?
No. The Purple House was a donation based center in Eureka Springs that's no longer open. We are not related to nor affiliated with them in any way.
I have another question not answered by these FAQs. What's the best way to ask?
Please email us at info@thepurpleflower.org. We appreciate you helping to keep our phone line open for potential crisis callers.

Leadership

Staff

  • Shiloh Grace, Executive Director
  • Margo Elliott, Administrator

Board of Directors

  • Christine Santimore
  • David Avanzino, President
  • Jewel Mlnarik, Treasurer & Secretary
  • Jonathan Teigen
  • Maressa Hernandez
  • Summer Gurney