Frequently Asked Questions

About our services, who we serve, and how you can help as we scale our volunteer and giving programs.

On Seeking Help

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 protection orders?: Protection orders are issued solely for protection from domestic violence, so we assist clients in the detailed process and court appearances required to file for Protection Orders in Carroll County.
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. We take privacy and safety very seriously, so limit what we share about the process publicly.

Not in a place where you can talk aloud? You can text our Crisis Line, too, and we’ll guide you from there.
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 support classes and work to connect you with local providers for additional support and care. Contact us or visit our Facebook for more information.

On Helping Out & Partnering

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
What is your policy on prohibited conduct, safety, and organizational accountability?: At The Purple Flower, the safety, dignity, and trust of our clients, staff, volunteers, and community are our highest priorities. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of prohibited conduct, harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior within our organization and service network.

To ensure complete transparency and safety across all of our operations, we hold everyone in our ecosystem to strict standards of professional integrity. You can review our full, comprehensive guidelines and reporting procedures here: Read the Prohibited Conduct & Accountability Policy.
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.
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.
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.

If your question isn’t covered here or elsewhere on our site, please visit our About Page to find the right team member for your inquiry. By sending your non-emergency questions directly to our email lines, you play a vital role in keeping our primary phone lines available for those experiencing a crisis. We deeply appreciate your help in keeping those lines open for those who need them most.