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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

Predatory stalking is the most dangerous and deliberate form of stalking. In this episode, we discuss stalking rooted in entitlement, power, and control where the behavior is intentional from the beginning.

Victims are often strangers, and stalking may involve surveillance, targeting, and information-gathering that can escalate into sexual violence. We explain why this type of stalking must always be taken seriously and why survivors’ instincts are critical to safety.

This episode centers accountability, affirms survivor experiences, and underscores that predatory stalking is never about attraction it is about power and control.

Understanding this pattern helps survivors trust their instincts and prioritize safety.

Stalking Risk Profile. (n.d.). Types of stalking. https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking

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

Episode 4: The Incompetent Suitor

The incompetent suitor is a type of stalker whose behavior is often minimized as awkwardness, misunderstanding, or “not knowing better.” In this episode, we explore stalking driven by loneliness or desire, where the goal is access not connection.

We discuss why repeated advances after rejection are harmful, how distress is often ignored or dismissed, and how social pressure frequently shifts responsibility onto the victim. The episode also addresses disability and neurodiversity with care making clear that understanding context never excuses harm.

This conversation reinforces that discomfort is a valid boundary and that survivors are not responsible for educating others at the expense of their safety.

Understanding this pattern helps survivors trust their instincts and prioritize safety.

Stalking Risk Profile. (n.d.). Types of stalking. https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking

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

Episode 3: The Intimacy-Seeking Stalker

Intimacy-seeking stalking is often misunderstood and dangerously romanticized. In this episode, we examine stalking that arises from loneliness, fixation, and a false belief that a relationship exists or is destined to exist despite clear lack of consent.

Victims are usually strangers or acquaintances, and in some cases the behavior is fueled by delusional beliefs, such as erotomanic thinking. We discuss why unwanted pursuit is not affection, how fantasy replaces reality, and why consent is always required for connection.

This episode challenges cultural myths that excuse obsession and reinforces that survivors are never responsible for managing someone else’s beliefs or emotions.

Understanding this pattern helps survivors trust their instincts and prioritize safety.

Stalking Risk Profile. (n.d.). Types of stalking. https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking

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

Episode 2: The Resentful Stalker

Resentful stalking is driven by anger, perceived injustice, and a desire for revenge. In this episode, we explore how individuals who believe they have been mistreated or humiliated may use stalking as a way to “even the score.”

Unlike rejected stalking, victims are often strangers or acquaintances rather than former partners. We discuss how resentful stalkers frequently present themselves as the true victim and justify their behavior as retaliation or self-defense, even when it causes fear and harm.

This episode helps listeners recognize how resentment can escalate into control, why fear becomes a source of power for the stalker, and why feeling wronged never justifies abuse.

This episode supports survivor awareness and safety planning. Stalking is never justified and is never the survivor’s fault.

Stalking Risk Profile. (n.d.). Types of stalking. https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking

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

Episode 1: The Rejected Stalker

Rejected stalking often occurs after the end of a close relationship and is one of the most common and misunderstood forms of stalking. In this episode, we explore how stalking can emerge when a former partner, family member, or close acquaintance refuses to accept separation or rejection.

Listeners will learn how rejected stalking is driven by attempts to regain control either through reconciliation, retaliation, or emotional manipulation and why this behavior can feel confusing and unpredictable for survivors. We discuss the push–pull dynamic that often alternates between affection and anger, and why continued contact after boundaries are set is never about love.

This episode is designed to help survivors and communities recognize early warning signs, trust their instincts, and understand that rejection never causes abuse. Stalking is a choice and responsibility always lies with the person engaging in the behavior.

Stalking Risk Profile. (n.d.). Types of stalking. https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/what-is-stalking/types-of-stalking

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