Across Kansas City, thousands of individuals and families face the painful reality of domestic violence each year. But thanks to the dedication of local organizations and community support, survivors have places to turn for safety, healing, and hope.
And the problem’s only been getting worse. The Kansas City, Mo. Police responds to about 5,000 domestic violence calls each year, or about 14 every day. Already in 2025, there have been 18 domestic violence homicides, a 500% increase from just a few years ago when there were 3 deaths in 2022. Rising economic pressures, housing instability, and shrinking resources heave created dangerous conditions for those trying to escape abusive situations.
That’s why United Way of Greater Kansas City remains committed to supporting organizations on the frontlines, ensuring survivors have somewhere safe to go, someone to listen, and system that believes in their right to live free from violence.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re highlighting five United Way Impact 100 partners working every day to provide emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and long-term support for survivors in our community, ensuring that help remains available when it’s needed most:
1. Hope House
For more than 40 years, Hope House has provided life-saving services to individuals escaping domestic violence in Jackson County and beyond. Through two emergency shelters, outreach therapy, legal advocacy, and prevention education, Hope House offers survivors the tools and support they need to build a future free from abuse. Their mission is clear: to break the cycle of domestic violence by providing comprehensive services and community education.
2. Hope Haven of Cass County
Located in Harrisonville, Mo., Hope Haven serves as a vital resource for survivors in Cass County and surrounding areas. Their services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, case management, and court advocacy. Beyond immediate safety, Hope Haven empowers survivors through housing assistance, life-skills training, and employment readiness, helping them regain stability and confidence on the road to independence.
3. Safehome
Safehome has been a cornerstone of domestic violence support in Johnson County for decades. They provide a full continuum of care, including safe shelter, therapy for adults and children, and legal advocacy. Safehome also engages the community through prevention programs that educate youth and workplaces about healthy relationships. Their mission is simple yet powerful: Everyone deserves to feel safe at home.
4. Synergy Services
Serving the Northland and the greater metro area, Synergy Services supports individuals and families experiencing violence, abuse, or trauma. Their domestic violence center offers emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy, while their transitional housing program provides a pathway toward long-term safety and stability. Synergy also focuses on prevention, working with schools and youth programs to promote nonviolence and mental wellness across generations.
5. Rose Brooks Center
A long-standing pillar of hope in Kansas City, Rose Brooks Center offers safe shelter, therapy, and wraparound services for adults, children, and pets affected by domestic violence. Their court advocacy and hospital programs extend help beyond shelter walls, ensuring survivors have access to safety wherever they are. Rose Brooks also leads citywide initiatives to strengthen systems of protection and prevention across the region.
Each of these organizations embodies the essence of community care, providing not just shelter but also healing, dignity, and empowerment for survivors.
By supporting United Way and our Impact 100 partners, you’re helping ensure that no one in Kansas City faces violence alone. Together, we’re building a future where every person can feel safe, supported, and free.