MOmentum for Change: Voices of the Missouri Movement

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When survivors speaking up about violence, they break down isolation, empower others, and shine a light on the darkness where violence thrives. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Missouri victim advocate and survivor, Leslie Williams, shares her story of domestic violence, healing, and her courageous efforts to inspire hope and be a voice for change.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.

The views and opinions expressed by the guests on the MOmentum Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MOCADSV. MOCADSV is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Sarah Weinman, "Writer, Editor, Crime Lady," joins MOCADSV to discuss her most recent book, Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime. Weinman shares insights on the 1978 Rideout trial, the nationwide struggle to make spousal rape a crime, and intersecting connections these efforts have with Missouri's anti-violence movement. She also shares thoughts on the legacy of the trial as well as ongoing opportunities for change.

Notes:

• Sarah Weinman's Website: https://www.sarahweinman.com/
• Without Consent: A Landmark Trial and the Decades-Long Struggle to Make Spousal Rape a Crime: https://www.sarahweinman.com/book/without-consent/
• Rape in Marriage by Diana E.H. Russell
• Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller: https://chanel-miller.com/
• A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/812605/a-hymn-to-life-by-gisele-pelicot-translated-by-natasha-lehrer-and-ruth-diver/
• Rape and Marriage: The Rideout Case (1980): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf2eY6vOuT0&t=1800s
• The Burning Bed (1984): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087010/
• Virgin or Vamp: How the Press Covers Sex Crimes by Helen Benedict

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.

The views and opinions expressed by the guests on the MOmentum Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MOCADSV. MOCADSV is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party. The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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SafeBAE is a nationwide sexual violence prevention organization, formed by survivors and led by young people. Two of SafeBAE's co-founders, siblings Daisy Coleman and Charly Coleman, are from Maryville, Missouri. Daisy and Charly are subjects of the documentary film, Audrie and Daisy, which celebrates its 10th anniversary of being released this year. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, SafeBAE staff, Shael Norris and Drew Davis discuss the impact of the documentary, Daisy's legacy, and their current work to prevent sexual violence with youth, teens, and college students.

Notes:

• SafeBAE website: https://www.safebae.org/
• #ForDaisy Memorial Tribute Wall: https://www.safebae.org/fordaisy/
• Before Anyone Else Skills Lab: https://skills-lab.safebae.org/
• Vibe Check Reflection and Accountability: https://checkyourvibe.org/

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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MOCADSV's motto has long been "we change laws, we change lives". These policies are moved forward in partnership with advocates, survivors, and lawmakers. One lawmaker and survivor, who has actively changed laws and changed lives throughout the 2026 legislative session is State Representative Ceclie Williams, who joins MOCADSV for a discussion on passing the divorce while pregnant bill, among other policies that have a positive impact on survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.

The views and opinions expressed by the guests on the Momentum Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of MOCADSV. MOCADSV is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization and does not endorse or oppose any candidate or political party.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Patty Prewitt spent almost 40 years in prison for a crime that she has always maintained she did not commit. One of Patty's attorneys described the challenge of getting out of prison when innocence is your only defense, as "trying to catch lightning in a jar". Patty finally caught lightning in 2024 when she was released from prison and recently published two books describing her experience. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Patty and her daughter Jane Prewitt Watkins, discuss sexual abuse in prison, the clemency process, and Patty's books, Trying to Catch Lightning in a Jar and Catching Lightning.

Notes:

• Trying to Catch Lightning in a Jar: Letters from Prison https://www.somepeoplepress.com/patty
• Catching Lightning: More Letters from Prison https://www.amazon.com/Catching-Lightning-Letters-Prison-People/dp/B0GXPBL85Q
• Tunnel Vision: Causes, Effects, and Mitigation Strategies by Brian Reichart: https://scholarlycommons.law.hofstra.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2951&context=hlr
• One Woman’s History of Sexual Abuse in Prison by Patty Prewitt: https://www.wrath-bearingtree.com/2023/01/02/new-nonfiction-one-womans-history-of-sexual-abuse-in-prison-by-patty-prewitt/
• Prison Performing Arts: https://www.prisonperformingarts.org/

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Elder Abuse is closely related to domestic and sexual violence, and many advocacy organizations encounter it regularly in their services to survivors. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Jessica Rooks, an Attorney with The Rooks Law Firm and Catherine Vannier, Special Victims Resource Prosecutor at the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services, talk about the nature and dynamics of elder abuse and supportive resources that are available, particularly related to the civil and criminal legal system.

Notes:

• Missouri Office of Prosecution Services: https://www.prosecutors.mo.gov/
• Rooks Law Firm: https://www.rookslawfirm.com/
• The Department of Justice has an Elder Justice Initiative: https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice
• National Center on Law and Elder Rights: http://ncler.acl.gov/home
• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Office of Special Investigations: https://health.mo.gov/seniors/investigations.php
• Attorney General Office of Missouri Consumer Protection: https://ago.mo.gov/divisions/consumer/
• The Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement (EAGLE): https://eagle.usc.edu/
• The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: https://www.naela.org/
• The Missouri Council on Aging: https://www.missouricouncilonaging.org/
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
• Elderabuse.org: https://elderabuse.org/
• UMKC LifeCourse Nexus: https://www.lifecoursetools.com/

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Join MOCADSV for a conversation with Jessi Bixler, author of the memoir, The Story We Share: How One Sexual Assault Rippled Through a Family and Their Fight for Healing. Jessi shares insight on her process of healing from trauma, the impact on secondary victims, and her ongoing efforts to support survivors and increase awareness of sexual assault.

Notes:

Jessi's Website: http://www.jessibixler.com/

Jessi's blog: https://www.jessibixler.com/blog

Purchase The Story We Tell: https://www.jessibixler.com/shop

MOCSA: https://mocsa.org/

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services: https://www.mocadsv.org/how-to-get-help/.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Attorney, Grant Boyd from The O'Brien Law Firm, joins MOCADSV for a discussion about the civil legal system. Grant discusses the impact of his work and shares insight on how his legal practice has provided empowerment, accountability, and justice to survivors and their families.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Pioneering social worker, educator, and life-long activist, Fran S. Danis joins MOmentum for Change for a discussion of her recent book series, Origin Stories from the Movements to End Domestic Violence. These compelling books highlight the unique narratives of changemakers who have taken action on behalf of survivors of domestic violence at local, state, and national levels, over the last 50 years. In this inspiring discussion, Fran shares insights on what motivated her to write this history, the process she took, and reflects on the power and promise of sharing origin stories.

Purchase copies of Origin Stories from Amazon or directly from the publisher, Cognella Publishing. Use code DANIS20 at check out for 20% off the purchase of both books, as a set, from Cognella Publishing.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Relationship safety education provided to youth is an effective approach to preventing teen dating violence. However, domestic and sexual violence advocacy organizations often face difficulties in their efforts to build relationships with local school districts. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Katie Hobeck, Violence Prevention Educator at the Safe House of Southeast Missouri and Janine Mayberry, Counselor at Key Middle School in Scott County, discuss teen dating violence, relationship safety, and their ongoing partnership to provide prevention education.

Notes:

• Safe Dates: A Teen Relationship Abuse Prevention Curriculum: https://www.hazelden.org/store/item/545255
• American Bar Association Teacher’s Guide: Interesting, Fun, and Effective Classroom Activities To Influence Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention: https://stoprelationshipabuse.org/professionals/teachers-and-parents/american-bar-association-teachers-guide/

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Advocates have been responding to cyberstalking, and the general use of technology to perpetrate abuse, increasingly for years now. In recognition of National Stalking Awareness Month, this inaugural episode of Season 5 brings State Senator Tracy McCreery and MOCADSV’s Member Services Director, Heidi Coleman, together for a discussion about the Stop Cyberstalking and Harassment Task Force, general dynamics of cyberstalking, and recommendations to improve services and awareness throughout Missouri.

Notes:
The Stalking Awareness and Prevention Resource Center (SPARC): https://www.stalkingawareness.org/
Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force: https://www.moicac.org/
January 2024 Momentum for Change Season 3, Episode 1: National Stalking Awareness Month with SPARC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NF1QG_5bT0&t=6s

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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In our efforts to provide holistic, comprehensive services, advocates often respond to survivors of domestic and sexual violence who have pets. There are many opportunities for advocates to support survivors around issues of pets, pet care, and advocacy. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Claire Coughlin, the Director of the Companion Animal Program at the Animal Welfare Institute and Kitty Lawrence, the Director of Community Programs at the Animal Protective Association of Missouri discuss these opportunities, as well as additional intersections between animal welfare and gender-based violence.

Notes:

• The Animal Welfare Institute: https://awionline.org/
• The Animal Protective Association: https://apamo.org/
• AWI’s Directory, Safe Havens for Pets: https://www.safehavensforpets.org/
• Abuse of Pets Power and Control Wheel: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Abuse_of_Animal_M_Wakeham_Bristol_Uni.pdf Don't forget the Pets: https://dontforgetthepets.org/
• RedRover: https://redrover.org/
• Safe Escape grants: these grants must be filled out by an advocate and will cover the cost of boarding for a short time so a pet parent can get to safety. They also offer grants for building spaces to house pets and have presentations about converting unused space into a kennel area for pets.
• Purina's Purple Leash Project: https://www.purina.com/purple-leash-project
• Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI): https://habri.org/
• DV and Pets: https://awionline.org/content/including-pets-domestic-violence-protection-orders-missouri
• AWI Safety Planning: https://awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/awi-safety-planning-pets-factsheet.pdf
• AWI Safety Planning in Spanish: https://awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/AWI-Safety-Planning-Pets-Spanish.pdf
• AWI Signs of Animal Abuse: https://awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/AWI-Signs-Animal-Abuse-Neglect.pdf
• AWI Signs of Animal Abuse Spanish: https://awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/AWI-Signs-Animal-Abuse-Neglect-Spanish.pdf
• AWI Asking Children About Pets: https://awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/AWI-Asking-Children-About-Pets.pdf
• AWI Asking Children About Pets Spanish: https://awionline.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/AWI-Asking-Children-About-Pets-Spanish.pdf

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners.

Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services. The opi

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Survivors of sexual abuse may choose to seek justice through the civil courts. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Reed Martens, Attorney at Monsees & Mayer in Kansas City, discusses trauma-informed representation, the civil process, and his work to pursue justice for survivors.

Notes:

• Find more information about Monsees & Mayer at https://monseesmayer.com/

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Domestic violence advocates are in a unique position to connect survivors of domestic violence with care and supportive resources related to partner-inflicted brain injury. The UMKC Institute for Human Development hosts OBISSS, a screening tool to assess individuals for brain injury. Join Beth Dauber, the Project Coordinator for Health and Aging at the UMKC Institute for Human Development and MOCADSV staff, Cara Jones, Member Services Specialist and Ashlea Whaley, Partnership Development Specialist, for a discussion of brain injury, OBISSS, and promising new resources available to support survivors.

Notes:

• Contact Beth Dauber, Project Coordinator - Health & Aging at The UMKC Institute for Human Development: beth.dauber@umkc.edu
• February 2024 MOmentum for Change Season 3, Episode 2: Teen Dating Violence and Strangulation with Cara Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UbGbaY0Lss&t=123s
• The National Association of State Head Injury Administrators: https://www.nashia.org/
• The UMKC Institute for Human Development Brain Injury Education Course (free): https://umsystem-umkc-ihd.catalog.instructure.com/browse/ucedd/courses/braininjuryeducation
• The Alliance for Hope Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention: https://www.allianceforhope.org/training-institute-on-strangulation-prevention
• The Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury: https://www.odvn.org/brain-injury/
• The Medical/Forensic Show Me ECHO: contact Cara Jones at cjones@mocadsv.org for more information
• The Missouri Brain Injury Advisory Council: https://health.mo.gov/information/boards/braininjury/advisory.php
• Register for The Missouri Brain Injury Stakeholder newsletter at https://app.e2ma.net/app2/audience/signup/2016070/1900882/
• The Brain Injury Association of Missouri: https://www.biamo.org/
• The Missouri DHSS Adult Brain Injury Program: https://health.mo.gov/seniors/shcn/abi.php

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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In this “back to school” episode of the podcast, MOCADSV is joined by Margo Leitschuh, the Prevention and Implementation Team Lead from Missouri Partners in Prevention. Margo discusses her passion for public health, effective strategies for violence prevention, and opportunities to partner with campus communities to support student health, safety, and wellbeing.

Show notes:

• Missouri Partners in Prevention Reading List: https://www.mopip.org/pip/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PIP_Reading_List.pdf.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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The First Regular Session of the Missouri 103rd General Assembly ended this spring and new laws go into effect on August 28, 2025. Join members of the MOCADSV Public Policy Committee, Jessica Woolbright and Lisa Fleming, with the MOCADSV Chief Public Affairs Officer, Matthew Huffman, for a discussion of the legislative session, new laws that impact survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and MOCADSV’s policy efforts at the national level.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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DeafLEAD is available to provide empowering, trauma-informed advocacy services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence who are Deaf. They are also available to provide support and information to advocacy organizations who serve these individuals. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, DeafLEAD Advocates, Tozzie Smith and Rachel Ebner, talk further about DeafLEAD, their empowerment-based approach, and a new ASL course they have developed to bridge the gap between service providers and survivors who are Deaf.

Episode notes:

Find more information about DeafLEAD at https://deaflead.org/.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

A transcript of this episode can be found at the following link

MOmentum for Change Season 4 Episode 7 Transcript

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Elizabeth Herrera is a visionary, a leader, and a true trailblazer for women. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, Elizabeth talks about the veteran’s program for women that she leads at Stephens College, her efforts in Puerto Rico to connect young women with educational opportunities, and how her commitment to women’s empowerment and positive social change has inspired her ongoing service to the community.

Find information about Mission Promise Kept at https://live-stephens-college.pantheonsite.io/life-at-stephens/center-of-excellence-for-veteran-student-success/.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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Domestic and sexual violence, pregnancy, and mental health are deeply connected issues. Join Dr. Melanie McKean, a Reproductive Psychiatrist with the Maternal Health Access Project, for a discussion about perinatal psychiatry and how domestic and sexual violence advocates can connect survivors with mental health services before, during, and after pregnancy.

Episode notes:

• To register for the Maternal Health Access Project, visit: https://redcap.umkc.edu/surveys/?s=PRLLH4W3WLWTWH8A.
• Enroll in the online training that DHSS provided in partnership with MOCADSV, Responding to Domestic Violence with Pregnant and Postpartum Patients at https://mocadsv.coalitionmanager.org/eventmanager/onlinetraining/details/2588.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.

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The Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault (MOCSA) is celebrating 50 years of preventing sexual assault and supporting survivors in both Kansas and Missouri. In this episode of MOmentum for Change, MOCSA’s current President and CEO, Julie Donelon and former CEO, Palle Rilinger join MOCADSV for a discussion of the history of the organization, progress that has been made, and their hopes for the future of the anti-rape movement. Find more information about MOCSA at https://mocsa.org/.

Some episodes of MOmentum for Change have conversations that include content and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence, which may be alarming or activating for some listeners. Please take care and visit the MOCADSV Directory to connect with supportive services.

The opinions in this podcast are based on the knowledge or experiences of the author and guests, and should not be used in place of actual legal or financial advice. You should seek appropriate counsel regarding the implementation of the ideas expressed.