Domestic Violence in KC is Rising
News & Media
Kansas City faces a surge in domestic violence-related homicides. As of April 7, 2025, 12 lives have been lost to domestic violence—matching the total number of DV-related homicides in all of 2024. It’s only April.
This spike in violence has catalyzed community leaders, survivors, and service providers to speak out and shine a spotlight on this growing public health crisis.
A call to action from city leaders and advocates
On April 7, Newhouse joined forces with KCPD Police Chief Stacey Graves, Mayor Quinton Lucas, Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, Prosecutor Melesa Johnson, and other shelter leaders at a press conference to address the alarming rise in domestic violence homicides. Watch the full press conference here »
Newhouse President + CEO Courtney Thomas emphasized that while emergency responses are essential, long-term solutions require investment in prevention, shelter, and wrap-around support services.
“Our 24/7 Crisis Hotline rings an average of 42 times a day,” Thomas shared. “Just this afternoon, we helped a mother and her child escape a violent situation—but we need your help to continue saying ‘yes’ when safety is on the line.”
Shelter beds are full — but the calls keep coming
Following the press conference, local media outlets have continued covering this urgent issue. In a powerful story by KSHB 41, Thomas recounted the heart-wrenching moment when a survivor called after being held at gunpoint—with her child—only to hear there was no room in area shelters.
Newhouse, like many local shelters, is at full capacity every day. Our 92-bed facility serves countless survivors, but the gap between need and available resources continues to widen.
A survivor’s story of hope
In a feature by KCTV5, a current Newhouse resident shared her experience:
“I don’t think I would have been able to heal properly if they didn’t have the resources available within this shelter.”
Her story is testament to what’s possible when survivors have access to trauma-informed care and a safe space to begin again.
Awareness is growing — but so is the urgency
A recent article in The Kansas City Star highlighted that while awareness is improving, financial support still lags behind. Despite Newhouse’s efforts to engage local leaders and create systemic change, the rising number of calls and homicides is outpacing the community’s current capacity.
Awareness alone won’t save lives. This is a community health crisis, and we need everyone—individuals, companies, and funders—to step up.
A vision for the future
On April 14, Thomas was interviewed on KCUR 89.3’s “Up to Date” to discuss this ongoing crisis and what real solutions could look like.
Newhouse envisions a collaborative, all-in-one campus that removes barriers and offers holistic, long-term support for survivors. This bold plan aims to transform how our city responds to domestic violence—creating a future where healing, safety, and hope are accessible to all.
How you can help
Right now, just $20 can help a survivor find safety. Your support powers emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and so much more. If you’ve been wondering how to make a difference—this is it.
Together, we can build a city where no one is turned away and every survivor has the chance to heal.
Donate today and stand with survivors.
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