Giving Back
MOCSA offers help, hope to victims of sexual assault and abuse
By: Ken DeSieghardt

The statistics are eye-opening. And sobering.

One in four girls, and one in seven boys will be sexually abused during their lifetimes. One in eight women has been raped. A rape is reported every other day in Kansas City, but history suggests that less than 20 percent of all rapes are actually reported.

And, perhaps worst of all, 80 percent of sexual violence is committed by someone the victim knows, rather than by a stranger.

Behind each statistic there is a victim who feels angry, ashamed, alone, and uncertain of what to do next.

Enter the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault, or MOCSA for short.

Founded in 1969 by a group of police officers, prosecutors, psychologists, medical professionals, and rape victims who recognized the need for a better response by the criminal justice system, coupled with a stronger program of services and support for victims, MOCSA has grown to be the resource for victims of all ages across the metropolitan area.

Today, MOCSA offers a host of services designed to help victims travel the path to survivor and, ultimately, to thriver, while also providing extensive educational programming to schools and community groups on the topic of sexual violence and abuse.

For victims, the focus is first on providing care following an assault.

The Crisis Line is staffed 24 hours a day by professional staff and trained volunteers who can provide advice, information and support to victims of sexual assault and violence. While many of the calls to the Crisis Line are placed in the hours and days following an assault, the service is also equipped to help those who need support months or even years after an incident.

In addition to the Crisis Line, MOCSA provides advocacy services that can include support at the hospital following an assault, during conversations between victims and police, and as criminal cases are making their way through the court system.

Beyond the immediate needs surrounding care following an assault, MOCSA has an array of therapy services and support groups that offer opportunities for victims to address the multiple issues that surface as a result of sexual violence. Programs are available for both child and adult sexual assault and abuse victims, as well as for adults who are dealing with an assault perpetrated on them when they were children.

Additionally, comprehensive individual, family, and group treatment services are available for children who have been sexually abused. These programs include a broad range of treatment approaches that are specifically tailored for the age and needs of the child receiving care.

In the community, MOCSA has become the source for education and information on the topic of sexual assault and abuse.

For example, MOCSA’s Project Aware program teaches children from preschool up through fifth grade what constitutes “good,” “bad” and “confusing” touches. The intent is not only to provide an easy-to-understand set of guidelines, but also to empower and educate children on actions they should take when they have been touched inappropriately.

For older children, programs like Teen Exchange offers its participants the straight story on healthy sexuality, dating and relationships so that they can stand up for themselves in social situations where they might otherwise fall victim to peer pressure.

In addition to programs for children and youth, MOCSA offers professional education opportunities for medical and mental health professionals, law enforcement, clergy and school personnel on topics as diverse as victim sensitivity, intervention and therapy with victims, and working with perpetrators.

Community support for these programs is seen in various forms.

The organization’s cornerstone event is its annual Community Luncheon. At its most recent luncheon program - held May 5 - more than 1,200 guests listened as Trisha Meili, the recently revealed “Central Park Jogger,” told her heroic tale of recovery from a horrific rape and beating that left her clinging to life, and that literally kept the world on edge as it waited for updates. -Ken DeSieghardt

To learn more about MOCSA, its programs and services, or how you can lend a helping hand to those dealing with sexual assault and abuse, call 816.931.4527, or visit www.mocsa.org.