PUBLIC STATEMENT: ROSE BROOKS IS SURVIVOR-CENTERED

Date

Category

Public Statement
July 1, 2022

Rose Brooks Center is survivor-centered and is committed to help those we serve access safety, life-saving resources,  and the care needed to be free of domestic violence.

 

Rose Brooks Center knows firsthand the life-threatening consequences the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v Wade will have for survivors and families who are the victims of domestic violence, rape, and incest. With the court’s ruling, Missouri activated a 2019 trigger law that makes abortion illegal in the state except for medical emergencies. It makes no exceptions for domestic violence, rape, or incest.

 

We have listened closely to survivors to understand the dangers and complex barriers they experience in violent relationships including the use of rape and reproductive coercion by their abusive partner to maintain power and control. By sabotaging birth control, coercing someone into pregnancy, and by forcing rapid repeat pregnancy, the barriers to leaving an abusive relationship increase exponentially.

 

Our partners at the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence share that “homicide is the leading cause of death of pregnant women, and forcing a person to carry a pregnancy to term can cause physical, mental, and economic harm, as well as creating a legal bond between the victim and the perpetrator. This ruling will have a multitude of far-reaching, catastrophic impacts, but will fall hardest on survivors in historically marginalized communities who already face heightened risks of both intimate partner violence and poor health outcomes with pregnancy, including survivors of color, LGBTQ survivors and survivors of color, as well as low-income survivors, who can least afford to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term or support a child.”-National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

 

Our mission to end the cycle of domestic violence is guided by survivor-centered advocacy. This means upholding every survivor’s right to self-determination, choice, privacy, and safety because survivors are the safest when they have autonomy and privacy to make self-determined choices. Rose Brooks Center wants survivors to know we will hold firm to our commitment to help them plan for safety, connect them with resources, protect their privacy, and respect them as experts in their own life and choices. As such, we will continue to help survivors’ access safe, equitable, and comprehensive reproductive healthcare options including emergency contraception and abortion care.

We will do everything in our power to help those who need us to stay safe, well, and autonomous.

Rose Brooks is and will remain here.

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.