Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Local Resources for Kansas Citians

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  

Some sobering facts:

  • 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 4 men have been victims of domestic violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 
  • 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. This amounts to 10 million people a year!
  • On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.

 

 

If you’re reading this and wondering if something you’ve experienced is abuse, check out this article on recognizing signs of abuse.

If you’re reading this and thinking about leaving an abusive partner, this information about safety planning is thorough and can help you create a safety plan that works for your unique situation.

If you’re reading this and need someone to talk to or maybe you have a friend in another state that needs help, The National Domestic Violence Hotline has both phone and online chat available 24/7.

 

Domestic Violence Resources in Kansas City
We are fortunate in Kansas City to have an abundance of organizations that serve individuals that have experienced abuse. The following provide emergency shelter as one of many services to individuals seeking help.

Missouri: Rose Brooks, Newhouse, Synergy Services/Safe Haven, Hope House.  

Kansas: Safehome, Joyce H. Williams Center


Other local resources
You may not be aware that there are many services OTHER than emergency shelter available to help victims of domestic violence. Some of these programs include: the crime victims’ compensation program in Kansas and Missouri, pet shelter, therapy, support groups, court and legal services, healthcare advocacy, children’s services, transitional housing, financial counseling and more. Call one of the above linked shelters or the local hotline number and let them know what kind of specific services you are in need of so they can connect you to it.  

Local Domestic Violence Hotline:  816 HOTLINE (816-468-5463)

Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP): This organization’s services are specifically for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer adults and youth that have experienced trauma, violence, harassment, and neglect.

If you are looking for ways to support local domestic violence victims, here are some ideas:

  • Donate items: (always call or check their website to see what is most needed and to find out where you can deliver them.)
    • Hygiene products like shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, tampons and pads. 
    • Bedding such as (new, not used) pillows, blankets, and sheets .
    • Clothing items: (new, not used) underwear, socks, bras, hats/gloves, plus size clothing, pajamas, children’s clothing.  
    • If you have used items you want to donate you can take them to a local Goodwill and specify you want your donation to go to Rose Brooks. The shelter then gets shopping vouchers to give to their clients to shop for what they specifically need. Most shelters don’t have room to store used clothing so this is a great alternative!
    • Household items for individuals moving into transitional housing: towels, pots and pans, bedding, small appliances and furniture.
    • Old cell phones.
    • Gift cards (Walmart, Target, Hyvee, QT gas cards).
  • Donate money: This could be a one time donation or a monthly donation.
  • Donate time: Every shelter has different needs and requirements of their volunteers, but volunteers are so helpful and important! Volunteers are used to sort donations, do projects like painting and landscaping, providing and serving meals, and administrative tasks. Some programs also utilize volunteers on their hotlines or as court or hospital advocates. Fundraising events throughout the year are another great way to get involved!

Thanks to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence for sharing this helpful information for Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Julia Willhite
I'm Julia and I live in Olathe with my husband of 16 years, my 10 and 6 year old daughters, and our rescue pug Mabel. I’m a social worker turned SAHM and love Dr. Pepper, thunderstorms, and talking to other adults. I hate coffee, diet culture, and washing dishes. I'll talk your ear off about the best local parks and which restaurants have wronged me by changing their long-standing menu items. I try to walk the line between knowing a lot of stuff and not being a know-it-all. Some days I'm better than others.