14 Trusted Resources for Sexual Assault and Abuse Survivors in Missouri
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault, know this: you are not alone and you deserve support. Whether the abuse happened recently or years ago, there are organizations across Missouri—and nationwide—dedicated to helping survivors reclaim their voice, regain stability, and pursue justice.
Below are 14 reliable resources available to survivors across the state. These include 24/7 hotlines, therapy centers, shelters, legal programs, and organizations focused on child abuse, trafficking, and marginalized communities. Each resource has been carefully chosen for its accessibility, trauma-informed care, and relevance to the needs of survivors in Missouri.
1. Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MOCADSV)
Website: https://www.mocadsv.org/
MOCADSV is the central hub for domestic and sexual violence advocacy across Missouri. Rather than providing direct services themselves, they support and train over 100 shelters, crisis centers, and advocacy programs throughout the state. Their site includes a searchable map to find your local center, plus guides on safety planning and accessing survivor services.
2. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Website: https://www.rainn.org/
Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
RAINN runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline and offers free, confidential support 24/7. Through their online chat and phone hotline, you can be connected with trained advocates near your location, including local Missouri programs. Their site also has extensive articles about trauma, reporting to law enforcement, medical options, and legal rights.
3. Missouri Crime Victims’ Compensation Program
Website: https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/cvc/
If you have suffered physical or emotional injury due to a violent crime, Missouri’s Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) program may reimburse you for certain out-of-pocket expenses. This includes counseling, lost wages, medical bills, relocation costs, and more. Survivors can apply even if no one was convicted, and many advocacy groups can help you with the application process.
4. Safe Connections (St. Louis)
Website: https://safeconnections.org
Safe Connections provides therapy and crisis services to adults and teens affected by sexual and domestic violence. Services include free individual counseling, group therapy, a 24/7 crisis hotline (314-531-2003), and prevention education programs. They’re known for their inclusive, LGBTQ+ affirming care and teen outreach programs in schools.
5. The Crisis Line (Southwest Missouri)
Website: https://dmh.mo.gov/behavioral-health/treatment-services/specialized-programs/crisis-services
Serving Greene and surrounding counties, The Crisis Line offers immediate emotional support and connects survivors to emergency shelter, long-term housing, and court advocacy. They also provide outreach to underserved rural communities where options may be limited. Services are available to all genders and are offered in English and Spanish.
6. Rose Brooks Center (Kansas City)
Website: https://www.rosebrooks.org
This Kansas City-based nonprofit provides emergency shelter for survivors fleeing sexual or domestic violence, including pet-friendly housing options. Rose Brooks also offers legal advocacy in court, trauma counseling, and children’s programs to support families affected by abuse. Their 24-hour hotline is 816-861-6100.
7. METRO Sexual Assault Response Team (SART – St. Louis Metro)
Website:
https://www.ywcastl.org/what-we-do/womens-crisis-and-housing-services/
METRO SART coordinates medical and legal responses to sexual assault in the St. Louis area. Their team ensures survivors can access a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE kit) with trained professionals and emotional support present. They also help survivors navigate next steps, whether they choose to report or not.
8. The Child Advocacy Centers of Missouri
Website: https://mo-naca.org/
Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) provide a supportive environment for children and teens who have experienced sexual or physical abuse. Located throughout Missouri, CACs coordinate forensic interviews, medical care, family advocacy, and referrals to counseling. Their trauma-informed model ensures children do not have to retell their story multiple times.
9. National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
Website: https://www.nsvrc.org/
NSVRC is a leading national resource for survivors and professionals alike. While it does not offer direct services, its library of materials includes survivor guides, legal toolkits, cultural competency resources, and community action guides. NSVRC also curates state-specific information and hosts webinars and trainings for victim advocates.
10. Healing Action (St. Louis)
Website: https://healingaction.org
Healing Action supports survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation through survivor-led programming. Their services include peer support, case management, help with housing, and re-entry services for those recovering from trafficking, coercion, or prostitution-related trauma. They take a holistic approach, addressing emotional, physical, and social healing.
11. National Human Trafficking Hotline
Website: https://humantraffickinghotline.org
Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
Available 24/7 in more than 200 languages, the National Human Trafficking Hotline helps connect survivors of sex and labor trafficking with shelter, medical care, and legal support. You can call or text anonymously, and the team can help you assess your safety and connect you with services in your area.
12. Child Advocacy Center of Central Missouri (Columbia)
Website: https://childadvocacycenter.org/
The Child Advocacy Center of Central Missouri was established to continue the essential services previously offered by Rainbow House’s Child Advocacy Center. Serving children aged 3 to 18 across 11 counties in Central Missouri, the center provides forensic interviews, medical examinations, advocacy, and therapy for children who have been sexually or severely physically abused. The center aims to minimize trauma by conducting recorded interviews in a child-friendly environment, reducing the need for multiple interviews by different agencies. Although the center does not offer shelter services, it collaborates with local law enforcement, medical professionals, and social services to ensure comprehensive support for affected children and their families.
13. Victim Center (Springfield, MO)
Website: https://www.thevictimcenter.org
The Victim Center offers free crisis counseling, advocacy, and trauma therapy for survivors of sexual assault, childhood abuse, and other violent crimes. They serve Greene County and surrounding areas, and their 24/7 hotline is staffed by trained advocates who can assist with hospital response, court support, and safety planning.
14. Hope House (Eastern Jackson County, MO)
Website: https://www.hopehouse.net
Hope House offers comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Eastern Jackson County. Programs include emergency shelter, counseling, transitional housing, and legal advocacy. Their community education programs also aim to prevent violence before it starts.
How to Find the Right Resource for You
You do not need to go through this alone. The right support can make all the difference in your healing and sense of safety. Whether you are looking for therapy, shelter, legal guidance, or just someone to talk to, the organizations listed above provide compassionate, confidential help.
If you are unsure where to start, consider calling one of the following:
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673
- Safe Connections (St. Louis): 314-531-2003
- Rose Brooks (Kansas City): 816-861-6100
These hotlines are free, available 24/7, and staffed by people trained to support survivors.
You Deserve Support—Wherever You Are in Your Healing
Reaching out for help takes courage. Whether you are ready to report the abuse, pursue legal action, or simply need emotional support, there are people and organizations in Missouri who care about your story.
At O’Brien Law Firm, we regularly work alongside advocacy groups, shelters, and crisis centers. If you are considering a civil lawsuit against your abuser or an institution that enabled abuse, we can coordinate with the support services you trust and ensure your privacy and safety come first.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to learn more about your legal rights and the next steps you can take.