Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition (CMSHTC)

06/11/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the United Way of Central Missouri for selecting the Central Missouri Stop Human Trafficking Coalition as a recipient of a 2026 Community Support Grant.

Partnerships like this make it possible for us to meet survivors where they are, help them build stability and hope, and strengthen our entire community.

Congratulations to all of the organizations recognized today. We are honored to stand alongside so many dedicated partners working to improve the lives of children, families, seniors, and individuals across our region.

Thank you to United Way’s donors, volunteers, advocates, and community partners whose generosity makes these grants possible. Together, we are creating opportunities, changing lives, and building a stronger, safer community for all.

04/22/2026

As federal funds for VOCA have been depleted and state funds are in question, Missouri’s victim service agencies need the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act now more than ever.

The Crime Victims Fund (CVF) is the primary source of funding for services that support survivors of domestic violence, s*xual assault, child abuse, trafficking, and other crimes. Yet today, the CVF is nearly depleted, putting critical, lifesaving services and victims’ lives at risk.

Communities are already feeling the impact. Agencies have been forced to reduce services, lay off staff, and, in some cases, close their doors entirely. Without immediate action, more survivors will be left without the support they need to stay safe, heal, and rebuild their lives.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act offers a bipartisan, commonsense solution to stabilize the CVF using non-taxpayer dollars, ensuring continuity of services while Congress works toward a long-term fix.

The House has acted, and now, 700 organizations are urging the Senate to do the same.

04/21/2026

Join us tonight as we honor of Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Jefferson City!

Tuesday, April 21
6:00 PM
Cole County Sheriff’s Department

Your presence matters. Let’s shine a light for those impacted by crime.

04/08/2026

Yesterday, Governor Mike Kehoe signed a bill that will allow women in Missouri to get a divorce while pregnant. MOCADSV's CEO, Cheryl Robb-Welch, was joined by Synergy Services' Sara Brammer and Heather Barry, who provided testimony in support of the bill, to watch the Governor sign HB1908.

We are thankful for the work of the Missouri legislature for the unanimous passage of this bill. Removing this barrier ensures that survivors can continue on their path to healing, regardless of their pregnancy status.

[Photo creds: Governor Kehoe's staff]

04/07/2026

Today is the SAAM Day of Action 💙

Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month (SAAM) is a time to raise our voices, support survivors, and commit to building safer communities—but today is about action.

Sexual violence and human trafficking are deeply connected. Many individuals who are trafficked experience s*xual assault as part of their exploitation. Prevention means addressing both—educating ourselves, recognizing the signs, and standing up for survivors.

We invite you to take a moment to visit the SAAM display at City Hall. 💙
From Denim Day awareness to resources and recommended reading, it’s a powerful reminder that prevention starts with all of us.

Denim Day began after a court ruling in Italy overturned a r**e conviction, suggesting the victim’s jeans implied consent. In response, people around the world began wearing denim as a visible protest against victim-blaming and to stand in solidarity with survivors.

We are proud to be a member of the Boone County Coalition to End Sexual Violence, working alongside community partners to prevent violence and support survivors.

Here’s how you can take action today:
• Wear teal to show your support for survivors
• Visit the display and learn something new
• Start conversations that break the silence and stigma
• Learn the signs of trafficking and exploitation
• Support organizations working directly with survivors

Every action—big or small—helps create a community where exploitation is not tolerated and survivors are supported.

Together, we can move from awareness to prevention. 💙

03/10/2026

A huge win for survivors!

House Bill 1908, the bill allowing pregnant people to divorce their spouses, passed in the Senate this afternoon. Now, the bill will head to the Governor's desk for final approval before becoming a law. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers this session and is the first non-appropriations bill to pass.

This bill ensures that survivors can continue on their path to healing, regardless of their pregnancy status. We are thankful for the work of the Missouri legislature for passing this bill.

Sign up for our newsletter, the Legislative Update, for monthly updates on the Missouri legislative session and MOCADSV's legislative advocacy: https://www.mocadsv.org/newsletter-sign-up/

02/24/2026

As a parent you can never be too careful or too interested in your child's online activity!

A Pennsylvania high school student is facing more than 300 felony charges after police accused him of running a 's*xtortion' scheme that exploited minors. 18-year-old Zachariah Abraham Meyers' charges include trafficking in minors, s*xual extortion and unlawful contact with a minor.

02/13/2026

ACTION ALERT:

Tell Missouri’s Legislators to Restore Funds Cut from Domestic Violence Shelter Services (DVSS) program.

We are joining MOCADSV in issuing an action alert for your agency’s staff members, board members, volunteers, the survivors you serve, and your community partners.

A public hearing on the Department of Social Services’ budget will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 8:15 am. Between now and next Tuesday, we need to “flood the phones” and call our Missouri legislators to urge them to restore the $1 million cut to domestic violence services that has been proposed. Find Your Representative Here: https://house.mo.gov/
Find Your Senator Here: https://

02/10/2026

Kansas has passed House Bill 2347, making the purchase of s*x a felony — a major step in holding buyers accountable and reducing demand that drives exploitation. Kansas is now the 5th state in the country to take this important stance. The fight to end s*xual exploitation continues. 👊 Let’s make Missouri the 6th state!

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02/07/2026

Superbowl 60 is taking place this weekend and while we all enjoy tuning into a good game of football, we wanted to remind everyone that it is more than just a sporting event; it brings millions of dollars to the host city. Unfortunately, it can also attract some individuals who promote and engage in s*x trafficking. Shared Hope International has highlighted the exploitation of individuals who are forced into s*x trafficking.

With heightened awareness and training, maybe we can make a difference this year.

If you don't believe this is happening, read this letter once written by a survivor of trafficking that took place during an earlier Superbowl https://sharedhope.org/2011/02/23/an-earnest-request-survivor-letter-to-2011-super-bowl-host-committee/

Don’t turn a blind eye—those being trafficked could be your daughter or son!

https://sharedhope.org/the-problem/