About Us
Mission
The Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) provides dedicated services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth & adults in the state of Missouri who have experienced trauma, violence, abuse, harassment, or neglect. Through direct advocacy, professional training, and community education, we work to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual violence, and hate crimes.
Vision
We envision communities where all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people are free to live safe, healthy and empowered lives. Violence, trauma and neglect are not accepted and are confronted effectively. Survivors are supported with respect and dignity.
Guiding Values
Liberation – Oppression is the root of violence. In order to respond to, address and prevent violence in our communities, we must approach our work through an anti-oppression lens with the ultimate goal of collective liberation.
Individual Agency – Every person is the expert on their own lived experience. Through a harm-reduction approach we safety plan and explore options to reduce harm and trauma, while respecting individual choices.
Resilience – People experience trauma and violence in unique ways. Our trauma-informed services are survivor-centered and allow individuals to heal by focusing on strength and resilience, not symptoms or pathology.
Community – Safe and supportive community is the cornerstone of healing. We seek to build communities free from isolation and shame through coalition, participation and conversation.
History
Kansas City Anti-Violence Project (KCAVP) has existed since 2002 as the only organization in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, or Nebraska solely dedicated to providing services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) victims of domestic and sexual violence as well as bias crimes (also called hate crimes).
KCAVP was created in October 2002 in response to a murder-suicide that occurred in Kansas City. While members of the LGBTQ community were aware that the individuals involved were a gay couple, local media reported that the two men were roommates. After discussions about possible resources in the area for LGBTQ individuals experiencing domestic violence, it was discovered that no LGBTQ-specific resources existed to help those in the community. As a response, KCAVP was formed to to bridge the lack of services available to LGBTQ victims of violence and to educate both the LGBTQ community and the community at large about violence in the LGBTQ community.
KCAVP was incorporated in April 2003 and awarded 501(c)(3) status by the IRS in October 2003. KCAVP joined the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs in 2003 and the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence in 2005.