Sexual Abuse Crisis Centers

Jun 18, 2021 | Sexual Abuse

At Monsees & Mayer, P.C. our practice involves helping victims of sexual abuse. Our clients must share the most difficult experiences of their lives with us therefore, we wanted to make sure we did everything we could to make them feel safe and secure.  We recently underwent trauma-informed training to help us better understand what our clients are going through.  One staggering bit of information we learned was that statistically everyone knows someone who has been affected by sexual violence.  It may not be a close relative.  It could be a friend, of a friend, of a friend, but statistically speaking everyone knows someone.   Therefore, we want to make sure everyone is aware of the local crisis centers around them available to help victims of abuse in Missouri & Kansas.  This list is not exhaustive and in no specific order.  We have also listed some the most common services provided by those crisis centers and a brief explanation of each.

If you do not see a center listed below close to you, or would like to check out other crisis centers, a good resource to use is the “Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network” (RAIINN) website.  The website lists local partners throughout each state, the services they provide, contact information and their website addresses.

Common Crisis Center Services

Many crisis centers have unique services they provide.  The best way to learn about all the services provided by a center is to call or visit their website.   Below is a list of the more common services provided by crisis centers.

  • 24 Hour Help/Hotline – Calls are answered 24/7 by qualified trained staff and volunteers.
  • Forensic Medical Exams – Exams performed by a professional medical provider, specifically trained in abuse and sexual assault evaluations. Purpose is to ensure the health and safety of the victim/survivor and collect any evidence of abuse or assault.
  • Forensic Interviews – An objective, non-leading, age and developmentally appropriate process to allow the victim/survivor to talk about matters of concern in a safe environment.
  • Emergency Shelter – Emergency housing and related support are provided, or contacts made on victim/survivor’s behalf.
  • Hospital Advocacy – Trained staff and volunteers respond to participating hospitals to provide advocacy, support, and assistance to victims.
  • Child & Family Advocacy – Trained advocates provide information, emotional support, assistance, education and intervention for survivors and their families. They also provide ongoing support throughout the legal process.
  • Aftercare and Outreach Services – Help the survivor obtain needed services and develop short & long- term resource and safety plans.
  • Crime Victims Compensation – Provide help in filing for Crime Victims Compensation Fund benefits. The Crime Victims Compensation Fund is a program established to help victims of violent crimes pay for expenses.  These can include medical expenses, lost wages, counseling/therapy, and other costs related to the crime.
  • Counseling – Either provide counseling onsite or provide referrals for counseling offsite. May be individual our group counseling.
  • Education/Prevention – Provide prevention programs and training on how to recognize and report sexual abuse.

Missouri Crisis Centers

Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA)

Kansas City, MO 64111
Business: 816-931-4527
Hotline: 816-531-0233
Website: http://www.mocsa.org

MOCSA began in 1969 when like-minded individuals from the criminal justice, health, mental health, and other professions came together to advocate for victims of sexual assault.  The group incorporated in 1975 and became the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA), now serving adults and children impacted by sexual violence.

MISSION: MOCSA’s mission is to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in our community.

Services include:

        • Child & Family Advocacy
        • Hospital Advocacy
        • Counseling
        • Education/Prevention
        • Crisis Line

Child Advocacy Center

Springfield, MO 65806
Business: 417-831-2327
Website: https://childadvocacycenter.org/

The Child Advocacy Center (CAC) was started in 1995 to help children who suffer from sexual abuse.  The center was started by a group of concerned professionals and community leaders.  Their goal was to create a place where young victims could feel safe.  They have created a coordinated process in which all the investigative teams come together to collect and share information thereby reducing the number of times a child must repeat and relive their trauma.

Services include:

      • Child & Family Advocacy
      • Forensic Interview
      • Forensic Medical Exam
      • Counseling
      • Education & Prevention

Citizens Against Domestic Violence/Victim Outreach Center

Camdenton, MO 65020
Business: 573-346-9630
Hotline: 888-809-7233
Website: http://www.cadv-voc.org

The Citizens Against Domestic Violence Organization is a non-profit that was established in 1984.  Their purpose is to provide crisis intervention, shelter, advocacy, and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

MISSION: Citizens Against Domestic Violence strives to cultivate a culture of resiliency in which individuals experiencing abuse are empowered to thrive.  Through advocacy services and community engagement we will pursue an end to violence in the lake area.

Services include:

      • 24 Hour Hotline
      • Emergency Shelter
      • Hospital Advocacy
      • Child & Family Advocacy
      • Aftercare and Outreach Services
      • Crime Victims Compensation
      • Counseling

Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV)

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Business: 573-332-1900
Hotline: 1-877-820-6278
Website: http://www.semonasv.org

Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV) was formed in 1997 to provide timely and compassionate care of adult and child survivors of sexual violence.  They offer advocacy, counseling, and forensic care for survivors of sexual violence in Southeast Missouri.

MISSION: The Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence seeks to be an advocate for those affected by sexual trauma through the coordination of community services to provide professional, compassionate, and timely interventions and education.

Services include:

      • Child & Family Advocacy
      • Forensic Medical Exam
      • Education and Prevention
      • Crisis Hotline
      • Counseling

True North of Columbia

Columbia, MO 65205
Business: 573-875-0503
Hotline: 1-800-548-2480
Website: http://www.truenorthofcolumbia.org

True North began in the 1970’s when a group of University of Missouri graduate students formed the organization to help rape survivors. It is now a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence victim service program.

MISSION:  The goal of True North is to provide all victims with safe housing, advocacy, and support. This advocacy and support may encompass initial contact through continuous counseling, protection, housing assistance and appropriate legal action.

Services include:

      • Emergency Shelter
      • Prevention/Education
      • Crisis hotline
      • Hospital Advocacy
      • Child & Family Advocacy
      • Counseling

Ozarks Counseling Center

Springfield, MO 65806
Business: 417-869-9011
Hotline:  417-761-5555
Website: http://ozarkscounselingcenter.org/

Ozarks Counseling Center was originally formed in 1952 as a child guidance clinic.  Over the years it has evolved into the center it is today serving clients from all over Southwest Missouri with affordable mental health services.

MISSION:  Our mission is to provide mental health services to the community regardless of ability to pay.

Services include:

      • Crisis hotline
      • Counseling

 Kansas Crisis Centers

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

Lawrence, KS 66044
Business: 785-843-8985
Hotline: 785-843-8985
Website: http://www.stacarecenter.org

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center was started 1972 to provide support for victims of sexual violence.  It was the first rape crisis center in Kansas.

MISSION: The mission of The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center is to promote a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to anyone affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson counties. The Care Center envisions a community free of sexual trauma & abuse while supporting healing for survivors.

Services include:

      • Crisis Line
      • Hospital Advocacy
      • Child & Family Advocacy
      • Counseling
      • Prevention/Education

DVACK

Salina, KS 67401
Business: 785-827-5862
Hotline: 800-874-1499
Website: http://www.dvack.org

DVACK is an organization started by concerned community members in Salina, Kansas to help serve the needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The organization was incorporated in 1980 and now service 10 counties in Kansas.

MISSION:  Our mission is to reduce the incidents of domestic violence and sexual offenses and to provide comfort and support to victims through crisis intervention and support services in North-Central Kansas.

Services include:

      • Crisis Line
      • Emergency Shelter
      • Counseling
      • Child & Family Advocacy
      • Hospital Advocacy
      • Aftercare & Outreach Services
      • Prevention/Education

BrightHouse

Hutchinson, KS 67501
Business: 620-665-3630
Hotline: 800-701-3630
Website: http://brighthouseks.org

Bright House was started in 1976 by a group of concerned citizens in Reno County, Kansas.  It was incorporated in 1981 as the “Coalition Against Spousal Abuse”.  Throughout the last 45 years the organization underwent many mergers and added additional services.

MISSION:  BrightHouse provides confidential, non-judgmental support to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, their families, and friends.

Services include:

      • Crisis Line
      • Emergency Shelter
      • Counseling
      • Child & Family Advocacy
      • Hospital Advocacy
      • Aftercare & Outreach Services
      • Prevention/Education

Get Help

Sexual abuse is something that must be talked about to be healed.  If you or a loved one has been sexually abused or assaulted, please consider contacting a crisis center for the support they offer.  When you are ready to seek justice within the civil justice system, we will be here.

Bobby Thrasher

Bobby Thrasher

Position: Shareholder

Office: Kansas City

Robert (“Bobby”) Thrasher is a skilled trial attorney and fierce advocate for victims of sexual abuse, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and other personal injury cases. With a track record of securing major jury verdicts and favorable settlements, he is known for his strategic litigation approach and relentless pursuit of justice. Each year since 2019, he has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, a distinction awarded to the top 2.5% of attorneys in Missouri and Kansas.

*This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney–client relationship. While Monsees & Mayer strives to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, laws and legal interpretations are subject to change. Content on this site may not always reflect the most current legal developments. For advice regarding your specific situation, please contact Monsees & Mayer directly.

Our Proven Results

Witness Statements As Critical Evidence

Witness statements provide crucial evidence to support claims of sexual abuse. They help establish a timeline of events, reveal details about the abuse, and identify potential suspects. However, witness testimony must be carefully evaluated for accuracy and reliability.

Interviewing witnesses promptly after the alleged abuse is reported maximizes the chance of obtaining an accurate statement. As time passes, memories can fade or become distorted. Witnesses should be interviewed separately to avoid influencing each other’s recollections.

Look for witnesses who were present around the time of the alleged abuse and may have observed interactions between the victim and suspect or noticed signs of distress. Teachers, caregivers, family members or neighbors are examples. Their statements can corroborate the victim’s account and provide additional details.

Evaluate witness credibility by considering factors like:
  • Their relationship to the victim and suspect. Unbiased third parties may provide more objective testimony.
  • Consistency of statements over time. Contradictions may indicate unreliability.
  • Vested interests that could motivate false testimony. Look for witnesses with no obvious agenda.
  • Their opportunity to observe relevant events. Statements from those frequently with the victim and suspect are more credible.
  • Age, mental state, sobriety and other factors that could impact perception or memory.

Compare witness statements to look for both consistencies and inconsistencies in the details. Consistencies increase reliability while inconsistencies should be explored further. Witness testimony, combined with other evidence like medical reports, can provide persuasive support for claims of abuse. However, no single piece of evidence should be viewed as definitive proof. A preponderance of consistent and collaborative evidence is needed to substantiate such serious allegations.

How Cell Phone Data Can Provide Crucial Proof

Digital evidence from cell phones should be interpreted carefully, as there are limitations. Data can be imprecise or misleading, and records may be unavailable or incomplete. However, when used properly, cell phone data provides an objective, factual record that supports or refutes claims made by involved parties. In sexual abuse claims where evidence is often scarce, cell phone data can make a critical difference. By triangulating data from multiple sources, investigators can build a compelling timeline of events to support charges and secure a conviction.

Call Detail Records

Call detail records (CDRs) provide the date, time and duration of calls and messages. CDRs are useful for establishing communication patterns between individuals, especially around the time of the alleged offense. An abrupt change in calling behavior could indicate a significant event occurred. CDRs may also reveal the locations of the cell towers accessed during a call, providing further location details.

Cell Towers

Cell phones constantly transmit data to cell towers, which creates digital records that provide location information. This data, obtained through a search warrant, can reveal where individuals were during key points in time.

Cell Site Location Information

Cell site location information (CSLI) pinpoints which cell tower was accessed by a phone at a given date and time. Although not precise, CSLI can narrow down someone’s location to a few city blocks. By analyzing records over time, investigators can track the general path a person traveled. CSLI is often used to corroborate or challenge statements made by victims, witnesses or suspects regarding their whereabouts.

Precision Location Information

More advanced technologies like precision location information (PLI) rely on GPS and Wi-Fi to identify a phone’s location within a few meters. PLI produces a nearly minute-by-minute account of where a phone has been, providing critical evidence for timelines of events. However, legal access to PLI typically requires a search warrant due to privacy concerns.

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Download our free educational booklet to better understand how sexual abuse claims move through the civil court system.

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Difference Between a Civil and Criminal Sexual Abuse Case

There is a difference between a criminal and civil liability case within the justice system. Criminal liability is brought against an individual(s) by the state or federal government in order to protect society, while civil liability is all about the survivor. The attorneys at Monsees & Mayer, P.C. advocate exclusively for survivors.

Criminal Courts

The criminal courts are entirely about the criminal; in this case, the sexual abuser. Cases are handled by a prosecuting attorney, and the purpose of the proceedings is to impose fines or prison sentences upon the abuser.

While some restitution or financial compensation may be awarded to the survivor, the criminal courts are a poor avenue through which to pursue it. This is because the purpose of criminal courts is to protect society as a whole, rather than advocate for individuals’ rights.

The criminal system’s standard of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt”; in other words, an individual can only be convicted of a crime if the jury is certain the abuser is guilty. Because of this, there are many morally culpable people who escape criminal liability because of this doubt in proof.

Civil Courts

The civil justice system is all about helping sexual assault survivors. Cases are handled by civil attorneys, and the purpose is to obtain compensation for the survivors of sexual abuse. The survivor can seek compensation for the damages they incurred as a result of the sexual abuse: depression, loss of self-esteem or relationships, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lost income and earnings capacity, medical expenses, and frequently, a lifetime of emotional distress.

The civil system’s standard of proof is relaxed compared to that of the criminal side. The survivor must prove their case by a “preponderance of the evidence.”  In simpler terms, the jury must “believe” the survivor’s case is more likely true than not; the scales must be tipped slightly in their favor. Therefore, even if an abuser escapes punishment in the criminal courts, they can still be punished within the civil court system.

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