A Blueprint For Safety

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For the past three years, Rose Brooks Center has led an effort to address domestic violence crime in Kansas City – a first for its kind. And for the past three years, entities like Rose Brooks Center, the Kansas City Police Department, Municipal Court, Probation and Parole, and the Detention Center have all met monthly to review and create new policies and practices to ensure that Kansas City’s response to domestic violence crimes keeps victims safe and holds offenders accountable.

At a press conference on September 28th, announcing the launch of this incredible achievement, Annie Struby, Rose Brooks Center’s Blueprint Coordinator, thanked those who made this Blueprint for Safety possible: “To the many brave domestic violence survivors who shared their stories with us and participated in focus groups, thank you. Your stories will make the system work better for future domestic violence survivors.”

The end result is a single document with a chapter for each agency within the criminal justice system. Next, Rose Brooks will lead training efforts across each agency to ensure complete implementation – further solidifying its role of victim advocacy.

The following are just two of the highlights of the policy and procedure changes:

  • Within KCPD, patrol officers will now ask the victim additional risk questions at the scene. These risk questions will help others in the system understand the context and seriousness of the violence occurring in the relationship.
  • The bench within Kansas City Municipal Court will have access to more information about each case, which will help make appropriate decisions for offenders and help keep victims safer.

To read more about the Kansas City Blueprint for Safety:
www.rosebrooks.org/about-rosebrooks/news-headlines

Rose Brooks Is Here

Rose Brooks Center

Rose Brooks Center is about saving lives. Read letters from the CEO, stories about featured programs, and more here.

Bridge Program

Serving patients experiencing domestic violence in the safety of local hospitals and clinics.

Children's Programs

Offering a wide variety of services to support the emotional and physical well-being of children who are healing from domestic violence.

Community Training

Since 2001, Rose Brooks Center has been providing quality domestic violence education to the Kansas City community and beyond.

Court Advocacy

Advocating for and guiding survivors through complex court systems.

Economic Empowerment

Helping survivors repair the effects of economic abuse through credit repair, budgeting, and education.

Emergency Shelter

Providing a safe sanctuary where individuals, families, and pets are welcomed, wrapped in support, and can begin to heal.

Employment Advocacy

Employment Advocacy includes developing job interview skills, job search, and ongoing support to survivors in maintaining employment.

Hotline

Providing confidential support, information, individual safety planning, resources, and more. The 24-hour Hotline is 816-861-6100.

Housing

Helping survivors find safe, affordable housing and gain economic stability within a safe home, free from violence.

Onsite Clinic

On-site medical and healthcare services within the safety of emergency shelter.

Pet Shelter

An on-site state-of-the art pet shelter for dogs, cats, and other family pets.

Police Advocacy

Providing advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and education for officers to improve victims safety.

Project SAFE

A school-based violence prevention program working to end the cycle of domestic violence by providing support to youth dealing with violence at home or communities.

Volunteer

Stories about our incredible volunteers and the work they do to support our mission.