Today, we need your voice.

For decades, Missouri’s victim service organizations have worked alongside law enforcement, healthcare providers, court systems, and local communities to ensure that individuals impacted by crime have access to safe and supportive services.

One of the primary funding sources for victim services is the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA). VOCA provides grants to states, which then distribute funds to local agencies serving victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other violent crimes. Over the past several years, however, federal VOCA funding has declined significantly. For the past four years, the State of Missouri has included a line item in its General Revenue budget to help offset these federal reductions and stabilize victim service agencies.

In the proposed budget for FY2027, Governor Kehoe has eliminated the General Revenue line items of $25 million to help bridge the cuts from Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) allocations.

In addition to the $25 million budget cuts, Governor Kehoe has proposed another $1 million cut from the Department of Social Services (DSS) Domestic Violence Shelter and Services fund (DVSS). These funds are specifically designed to help domestic violence agencies provide core services to victims.

To Find Your Legislators & For more information: https://www.hopehouse.net/get-involved/take-action-now

In this powerful Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month conversation, Youth Prevention Specialist Sadi Geier joins us to explore how teen leadership is more than a confidence-builder, it’s a prevention strategy.

Together, we dive into what leadership really looks like for young people and how developing skills like communication, boundary-setting, decision-making, and peer influence can help teens build healthier relationships and recognize red flags early.

This episode unpacks:

• How leadership shapes identity and self-worth
• Why empowering youth voice shifts peer culture
• How teens can safely use their influence to create change
• The role of youth leaders in transforming community norms

Through this conversation, we highlight how giving teens the tools to lead doesn’t just prepare them for the future it actively reduces risk, builds resilience, and strengthens prevention today.

Because when teens learn to lead, they also learn to love safely, respectfully, and with confidence.

In recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, this special episode features Youth Prevention Specialist Sadi Geier in an important conversation centered on empowering young people to build healthy, respectful relationships.

Together, we explore what teen dating violence really looks like beyond the stereotypes including warning signs, the role of boundaries, peer influence, and how early relationship patterns can shape future well-being. Sadi shares insights from prevention work happening directly with youth, highlighting the importance of leadership, communication skills, and self-awareness in creating safe relationship dynamics.

This episode is designed for teens, parents, educators, and community members who want to better understand how to recognize red flags, support young people, and foster a culture where respect and safety are the norm — not the exception.

Prevention starts with conversation. And when we equip youth with knowledge and confidence, we help them step into relationships rooted in dignity, value, and mutual respect.

Host: Tina Johnson

If you are in an emergency, call or text 9-1-1.

For information about our services and how Hope House can help, call our 24-Hour Hotline at 816-461-HOPE (4673) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-7233.

hopehouse.net