2021 COMBAT Mid-Year Funding: $70,002.00

In Newhouse's Own Words

Hotlines serve as an essential resource for victims and bystanders of violence. Nearly 99% of all crisis hotline callers accessed at least one emergency support service, including counseling, sheltering and victim advocacy. Newhouse is an 88-bed emergency shelter facility offering safe housing and critical supportive services to domestic violence victims and their children. Within the heart of our shelter is the Hotline room, staff by trained and experienced Hotline Advocates, who responded to over 12,000 calls last year. The Hotline serves as a critical means to access services and began the journey from victim to survivor free from violence.

The COMBAT Mid-Year award will provide vital funding to support client-centered, trauma-informed and culturally-sensitive emergency services for domestic violence victims in our community. Funds will support enhancing the local 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline; hiring experienced Hotline Advocates to provide immediate crisis intervention, lethality assessment and trauma counseling for both Hotline callers and victims who arrive at our shelter; and establish new bilingual in-person therapy and advocacy services.

Our shelter and staff provide life-saving services within the ecosystem support model, driven to help shatter barriers at every level while surrounding them with protective factors to promote trauma recovery and healthy relationships. We surround the most vulnerable victims of our community with a host of protective factors. When our families are thriving, our community thrives.

In order to escape and recover from violence, victims must first have immediate access to informative resources. The Hotline services as a vital community resource to help victims connect with emergency services. As COVID pandemic and local crimes rates result in drastic increase of Hotline calls, it is imperative to have additional experienced and trained Hotline Advocates to staff the peak hours. Hotline Advocates help victims with local resources referrals, find safe shelter, conduct safety planning, and/or immediate crisis intervention and counseling. As Spanish-speaking first-language is our community's fastest-growing demographic, providing immediate access to Bilingual Advocate and Bilingual Therapist to ensure quality care without a language barrier.

Most Domestic Violence Incidents In The State

Jackson County is first in the state in domestic violence incidents in the state of Missouri, exceeding St. Louis County by more than 3,000 incidents. Victims and bystanders are in need of education, resources, referrals and crisis intervention. Victim become homeless due to the violence and often must choose between staying on the streets or staying with the abuser. Hotline calls are a front-line prevention and defense against the continuation of the violent situation. COVID-19 impact on unemployment, curbside alcohol, and virtual school escalated abusive behavior with little or no outlet for help at the traditional sources. Due to COVID, Hotline increased by 31% and continue to climb.

First 48

The first 48 hours of client’s entry into a domestic violence program is critical for long-term success. A victim is likely to return to their abuser up to 8 times in their lifetime, most likely during this first 48 hours after separation.

1 In 3 Spanish-Speaking

Per national and local studies, 1 in 3 Spanish-speaking women have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime, yet only 50% will report this. Of those who do report, Latinas more likely to tell a family member compared to their non-Latina peers who are more likely to tell clergy or healthcare worker. The Spanish/English language barrier and immigration status are single largest barriers to contacting a shelter or service. Yet, fewer than 3 in 10 Latina have heard of violence protective orders and even less are aware of domestic violence shelter services. 1 in 3 shelters do not have Spanish-speaking staff and even fewer Hotlines offer immediate Spanish-speaking Advocates. The Spanish-speaking community of Kansas City is one of the fastest growing demographics.