Kansas City Anti-Violence Project

The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to providing domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate violence advocacy and education to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.


Currently, we are the only LGBTQ-specific domestic violence or sexual assault services in Missouri. KCAVP was created to address this gap by providing support and services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender queer and questioning victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and hate violence in the Kansas City, Missouri metro area.

All of KCAVP's services are free and confidential.

If you need help, call 24/7: 816-349-9371 or Email info@kcavp.org.

For more information about KCAVP's weekly queer youth empowerment group, click here.

KCAVP ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Sarah Cirese-Payton, LCSW is Ushering in a New Era

Kansas City, MO, February 18, 2021: The Board of Directors for the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) is pleased to announce new leadership for the organization. Sarah Cirese-Payton has been named executive director of the nonprofit devoted to servicing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth and adults, throughout Missouri and Kansas, who have experienced trauma, violence, harassment or neglect.

Sarah is a clinical social worker who brings over 15 years in the social work field to KCAVP. Her experience includes medical social work; working alongside the HIV+ community, domestic violence/sexual assault and trafficking survivors, and most recently the KC Metro immigrant and refugee community. She brings strong expertise in grant writing and grant administration as well as program development and team management.

“It is a privilege, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, to work for an organization that provides vital services and support to that community. I’m honored to work for an organization with a mission that aligns with my personal beliefs and values including creating a community where LGBTQ+ people are free to live safe, healthy and empowered lives.” says Cirese-Payton.

“The board is thrilled to welcome Sarah Cirese-Payton to KCAVP. I look forward to drawing on her experience and passion to continue supporting KCAVP’s mission of providing resources for LGBTQ+ victims of violence.” says Jessica Farmer, Acting Chair of the KCAVP Board of Directors.

“Violence, trauma and neglect are not accepted and are confronted effectively. Survivors are supported with respect and dignity. Working for a more equitable, safe and socially engaged world is what drives me, and with the support of the board of directors and staff I believe we can work together to consistently accomplish this and the mission of KCAVP.” says Cirese-Payton.