Who We Are
MOCSA exists to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in our community.
Sexual violence is something that happens right here, in our Kansas City community, every single day. And the impacts can be devastating, not only for the victims, but also for their friends and loved ones. Too often, it happens within a family or within a circle of friends. More than 80 percent of sexual violence is committed by someone the victim knows.
Without support and help, the trauma of sexual violence can stay with victims for a lifetime. So MOCSA is doing everything we can to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place, and offering support, healing, and hope when they do occur. We help victims become survivors.
History
In 1969, a metropolitan-wide coalition of criminal justice, health, mental health and other professionals came together with committed advocates to address the needs of those who had been sexually assaulted. In 1972, they created an organization dedicated to educating the broad bi-state Kansas City area, launched an emergency hotline, and took action 24/7.
That group evolved and incorporated in 1975 to become the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA), serving as the Kansas City area rape crisis center. Over the years, MOCSA has continually expanded to better meet the needs of victims and our community.
Today, MOCSA is a comprehensive service model that is unique and is recognized for innovative programs and quality services.
But sadly, one thing has remained unchanged throughout the years – the need for all that MOCSA does. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center:
- One in five women in the United States experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime.
- Nearly a quarter (24.8%) of men in the U.S. experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime.
- Less than 25 percent of rapes are reported to law enforcement.
- About one in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. (Source: Darkness to Light)
The statistics tell us, someone you know needs MOCSA. That’s why we’re here today.
Strategic Plan 2022-2024
MOCSA exists to improve the lives of those impacted by sexual abuse and assault and to prevent sexual violence in our community. This IDEA Strategic Plan reflects MOCSA’s commitment to understand and include all members of our broad community in that mission.
We understand that the critical role that MOCSA plays in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area requires us to deeply consider the historical exclusion, disconnection, and marginalization of diverse communities – including people of color, LGBTQIA individuals, individuals with differing abilities, and immigrants and other ethnic and language minorities – by social service agencies, law enforcement, and philanthropy, leading to disparate and negative consequences for these communities. A clear-eyed and self-critical approach to the matter of inclusion, equity, diversity, and accessibility fulfills MOCSA’s mission, harnessing the power of our client-centered, trauma-informed practices to help everyone in our community who has been impacted by sexual violence to lead better and happier lives. Thank you for joining this effort.
– Josh Rowland, MOCSA Board of Directors Chair (2020-2021)