Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

09/10/2026

In the U.S., su***de is the 2nd leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and among people ages 15-24. Su***de is the 11th leading cause of death overall, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

You don't have to suffer alone. Resources are available to help.

988 is a free helpline that connects users to trained crisis counselors. Simply call or text 988, dial 711 then 988 for TTY services, or use the online chat or videophone features at 988lifeline.org.

#988 ***dePreventionDay ***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

09/08/2026

It's International Literacy Day!

Literacy is key to building strong and healthy communities that are educated in preventing and identifying violence. Here are our recommendations for some books you can read to expand your knowledge about domestic and sexual violence.

No Visible Bruises: What We Don't Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us by Rachel Louise Snyder

Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice by Judith L. Herman, MD

Domestic Violence Advocacy: Complex Lives/ Difficult Choices by Jill M. Davies and Eleanor Lyon

Believing: Our Thirty-Year Journey to End Gender Violence by Anita Hill

One Way Back by Christine Blasey Ford

Girls Play Dead: Acts of Self-Preservation by Jen Percy

What are your recommendations? Drop them below!

09/07/2026

MOCADSV's office will be closed Monday, September 1, in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen Tuesday, September 2. Some staff members are taking additional time off to spend time with family, so some responses may be delayed.

Looking for resources? Find a local service provider by visiting mocadsv.org/How-to-Get-Help/ and clicking your region on the service map to find a list of services near you. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.

09/04/2026

Last week, 80 new laws went into effect in Missouri. These laws included additional protections for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This included a law to prevent the creation and distribution of digitally altered intimate photos, also referred to as "deepfakes."

Many abusers use technological advancements to their benefit to further harm, isolate, and humiliate survivors. The creation and widespread adoption of AI has made it easy for abusers to create digitally altered images that are intimate in nature. This new law prevents abusers from using these images without the consent of the victim.

09/01/2026

Conference is two months away! Have you registered yet?

Register TODAY to get access to MOCADSV's hotel-block pricing. The deadline to reserve your hotel room at the conference rate of $117 plus tax per room (both single king and double queen) is Monday, October 5.

Check out our conference webpage to learn more about conference, view the NEW conference event pamphlet, and begin planning which workshops you'd like to see. Visit Mocadsv.org/2026-Conference/

08/29/2026

Earlier this year, the Governor of Missouri signed legislation that allows women to get a divorce while pregnant. MOCADSV and our members advocated for this law throughout the session with the help of state Representative Cecelie Williams, who joins host Nora Mosby on the newest episode of MOmentum For Change.

Listen to the new episode today on Youtube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.

08/28/2026

Did you know that with warmer weather, rates of domestic violence often increase?

While abusers are fully responsible for the decision to commit harm, research shows that eliminating additional stressors may reduce or prevent aggression or abuse. Exposure to excessive and prolonged heat can be a stressor that increases the severity and frequency of abuse.

Interested in learning more about data and research related to domestic violence and sexual assault? Join our newsletter by clicking the link in our bio. Join our newsletter: mocadsv.org/newsletter-sign-up/

08/24/2026

Are you signed up for our newsletters yet?

MOCADSV's newsletter, The Latest, includes articles on relevant topics, including public policy, nonprofit administration, general domestic and sexual violence topics, and the latest in research.

The Legislative Update newsletter provides a monthly recap of MOCADSV's public policy work on the state and national levels.

Sign up today by visiting mocadsv.org/newsletter-sign-up/

08/21/2026

Stalking is too often minimized, normalized, and even romanticized. Stalking includes a variety of behaviors meant to intimidate, scare, or harm someone. Some behaviors may include giving unwanted gifts, sending love letters or endless texts, showing up unwanted at someone's house or place of work, and more.

If your friend or family member is being stalked, there are ways you can support them. Every survivors' needs will vary, meaning what works for one person might not work for another. When in doubt, ask the survivor how you can support them.

Learn more about stalking by visiting . Find a service provider near you by visiting our website.

08/20/2026