MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) provides vital services from its main office in the heart of Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri. This strategic location ensures accessibility for individuals and families across multiple communities within the county. While MOCSA partners with various agencies to offer outreach across six metropolitan sites, this program is primarily delivered from their central location at 3100 Broadway, Kansas City, MO.

The program focuses on evidence-based treatment for youth exhibiting sexual behavior problems, including individual and group therapy, as well as delivering comprehensive sexual violence education in Jackson County schools. Additionally, MOCSA leads community-level prevention efforts, aiming to reduce sexual violence through a coordinated, public health approach.

The Urgent Need To Address Sexual Violence

Sexual violence remains a pervasive public health crisis affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. National data reveals that one in four women and one in ten men will experience sexual assault during their lifetimes, and one in ten children suffer sexual abuse before age 18. Jackson County reflects these troubling statistics: with a population vulnerable to sexual violence, local data confirms an alarming reality. In 2023 alone, Jackson County reported 618 sexual offenses — roughly 12 sexual assaults every week — representing one of the highest rates in Missouri.

Yet, these numbers likely understate the true scope. Sexual violence is among the most underreported crimes, with an estimated 70% of assaults never disclosed to law enforcement. This silence leaves many victims without support and allows harmful cycles of violence to persist.

The Far-Reaching Impact Of Sexual Violence

Victims of sexual violence endure profound psychological effects, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, low self-esteem, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Research also links childhood sexual abuse to long-term physical health issues such as heart disease, addiction, and early mortality. Moreover, sexual trauma carries significant economic costs: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the lifetime cost per rape victim at over $138,000 in healthcare, lost productivity, and criminal justice expenses.

These consequences emphasize the critical importance of prevention and early intervention. Investing in effective prevention programs yields a fivefold return in savings from reduced treatment costs and social burdens.

Addressing Youth Sexual Behavior Problems With Evidence-Based Treatment

MOCSA’s program targets youth ages 7 to 14 who exhibit problematic sexual behaviors—behaviors that if left untreated, can escalate to more serious offenses. This program is the only resource of its kind in Jackson County, providing a comprehensive, family-focused approach.

Research shows juveniles commit approximately one-third of all sex offenses against children in the county. Many of these youth struggle with underlying mental health diagnoses, substance abuse, and histories of trauma or family dysfunction. Often, victims and offenders are connected through family or community ties, complicating treatment and recovery.

MOCSA offers individual and group therapy for youth displaying these behaviors and provides support and education for caregivers. This dual focus strengthens family communication and equips caregivers with the tools needed to help both the victim and the youth exhibiting problematic behaviors. Addressing these issues holistically reduces future perpetration and promotes healthier family dynamics.

School-Based Education & Community Prevention Efforts

Recognizing that individual interventions alone are not enough, MOCSA implements school-based sexual violence prevention education to foster healthy attitudes about relationships and consent among youth. Starting at critical developmental stages, these programs teach students to recognize abuse, understand consent, and learn skills to prevent violence.

Missouri law mandates annual trauma-informed sexual abuse education for grades 6 through 12, and MOCSA has responded by serving over 50,000 students annually across the six-county metropolitan region. The demand for prevention education continues to grow, especially within the Kansas City Public School District and other Jackson County schools. This program ensures compliance with state requirements while promoting equitable, cost-effective strategies to change harmful social norms around sexual violence.

Building Safer Communities Through Collaborative Prevention

At the community level, MOCSA leads efforts to transform social and cultural norms that support or tolerate violence. Research indicates that neighborhood connectedness, supportive social networks, and equitable opportunities serve as protective factors against sexual violence.

MOCSA’s Sexual Violence Prevention Plan focuses on increasing community engagement, improving neighborhood safety, and fostering cultural shifts that reject violence. Since 2021, the coalition has engaged nearly 50 organizations in a united effort to build safer environments.

Collaborations with initiatives like COMBAT’s STRIVIN’ program allow integrated strategies that address violence across multiple dimensions, improving safety in homes, schools, and public spaces.

Overcoming Challenges In A Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified mental health challenges and trauma, increasing demand for MOCSA’s services. As life returns to normal, the ripple effects of isolation, anxiety, and economic hardship remain significant stressors for survivors and families.

Inflation and economic downturn have added pressure on vulnerable households, making recovery more difficult. Meanwhile, MOCSA faces workforce shortages due to high burnout and turnover in victim services. To address this, MOCSA has implemented enhanced benefits such as paid family leave, COVID sick leave, sabbaticals, and retention bonuses to attract and support skilled staff.

These efforts help ensure that MOCSA can continue providing critical services without interruption, despite the increased need and challenging economic climate.

A Holistic Commitment To Prevention, Treatment & Support

MOCSA’s comprehensive approach integrates primary prevention (community education and culture change), secondary prevention (school-based education), and tertiary prevention (individual and family treatment). By addressing sexual violence at multiple levels, the program aims to reduce victimization, prevent future offenses, and promote healing for survivors and families.

Through ongoing partnerships, community collaboration, and evidence-based practices, MOCSA is steadfast in its mission: to create a safer, healthier Jackson County, where all individuals can live free from sexual violence and its devastating impacts.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.