March 4, 2025

Fifty years ago today, MOCSA was officially incorporated, marking the beginning of a vital mission in Kansas City.

What started as a small group of advocates filling a critical gap has grown into a powerful movement to support survivors and prevent sexual violence. While our impact has expanded, our commitment remains the same. Thank you for being part of this journey—together, we are creating a safer, stronger community.

"What changed when MOCSA started" - Legacy Video No. 2

Founders and influential leaders reflect on MOCSA’s transformative impact in the beginning. These stories highlight the power of support, advocacy, and change in the fight for justice and healing. Featuring:

• Don Munsterman, MOCSA Founder and Former Board Member, Kansas City Police Department Captain Retired
• Susan Stanton, MOCSA Board Member 1978-1990 & 2008-2014
• Dr. Michael Weaver, MOCSA Board Member, Retired Medical Director of Forensic Care Services at Saint Luke’s Health System
• Jaylynn Fortney, Retired Jackson County Prosecutor
• Dr. Linda Moore, MOCSA Founder, Psychologist, Former Assistant Director of UMKC Counseling

The Story of MOCSA: 50 Years of Impact

50 years ago, a group of advocates in Kansas City saw a critical gap—survivors of sexual violence had nowhere to turn. With no crisis lines, trained counselors, or coordinated response, they took action. In 1975, MOCSA was born from a grassroots movement to ensure no survivor had to navigate healing alone.

In the beginning, volunteers answered crisis calls from their homes, laying the foundation for what MOCSA is today: a comprehensive resource for crisis intervention, therapy, advocacy, and prevention. Now, our 24-hour crisis line, counseling services, and advocacy programs support thousands each year, while our prevention and education initiatives work to prevent sexual violence before it happens.

MOCSA’s impact has grown, but our mission remains the same: to support survivors and prevent sexual violence. Thank you for being part of this journey—together, we are building a safer, stronger community.

MOCSA’s 31st Annual Community Luncheon

Join us on Friday, May 2, at 11:30 a.m. at the Downtown Marriott Muehlebach Hotel for a special edition of MOCSA’s Community Luncheon celebrating 50 years of supporting survivors! This year’s program will feature a powerful mix of video storytelling and live speakers, reflecting on our shared journey—where we started, how far we’ve come, and the work still ahead to end sexual violence.

Contact Kassie Sands for sponsor opportunities at ksands@mocsa.org or 816-285-1324.

This article was published in The Kansas City Star July 9, 1979.

In the early years of MOCSA, conversations about sexual assault prevention often centered on women, with a strong focus on how they could protect themselves. Women were urged to take precautions—like avoiding certain areas at night, not accepting drinks from strangers, or dressing conservatively. The narrative placed much of the responsibility on women to avoid becoming victims, a message that unfortunately perpetuated a cycle of victim-blaming rather than addressing the root cause of sexual violence: those who commit the crime.

While much progress has been made, there's still work to do. The shift from placing the responsibility for prevention solely on women to holding perpetrators accountable is a step in the right direction. But we must continue to challenge harmful narratives, invest in education, and push for systemic change that prioritizes safety, respect, and equality for all.

Upcoming Events & Observances

• March 2025 - Women's History Month
• March 4 - MOCSA Celebrates 50 Years
• March 31 - International Transgender Day of Visibility
• April 2025 - Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• May 2 - MOCSA's Anniversary Community Luncheon

Advocacy | Counseling | Education | Prevention