23rd Annual Advocacy Day for Victims and Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

KCSDV, Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Agencies, and Allies come together for 23rd Annual Advocacy Day for Victims and Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence at Kansas State Capitol

On February 19, 2026 - advocates from across Kansas gathered at the State Capitol for the 23rd Advocacy Day for Victims and Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence. The day brought together survivors, advocates, and community partners to ensure that the voices and experiences of survivors were centered in conversations with policymakers.

Hosted by the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV), Advocacy Day included participation from more than 20 domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs, tribal victim services programs serving Kansas Native communities, survivor leaders, and statewide partners. The Silent Witness Exhibit was displayed in the second-floor rotunda, honoring victims whose lives were lost to domestic violence and reminding visitors of the urgent stakes of this work.

KCSDV was joined by survivor-led policy organizations Jana’s Campaign and Claire’s Community, along with representatives from the Kansas Attorney General Victim Services Division.

“We are in a critical moment when conversations about sexual and domestic violence are filling headlines, but we are not talking enough about what survivors are actually facing in communities across Kansas,” said Michelle McCormick, Executive Director of KCSDV. “This is the one time each year when advocates can come together at the Capitol and make sure lawmakers understand the realities survivors are navigating and why continued investment in prevention and advocacy matters.”

Throughout the day, advocates met with legislators to discuss the growing challenges survivors face, including increased violence, longer recovery times, and significant barriers to safe and stable housing. Conversations emphasized the importance of supporting services that not only respond to crisis, but also help prevent violence before it happens.

Advocacy Day highlighted the full continuum of domestic and sexual violence advocacy, including:

• Prevention programs that teach healthy relationships and help communities recognize abuse
• Emergency shelter and housing support for survivors seeking safety
• Sexual assault response and healing services
• Child advocacy and protection orders to support family safety
• Education and public awareness efforts that promote long-term change
  
  

“Advocacy means recognizing that we cannot wait until after violence occurs,” McCormick said. “Prevention work is just as essential as crisis response. Without it, we remain reactive - and the consequences for families and communities are devastating.”

Advocacy Day served as a call to action for policymakers to continue investing in programs that support survivors, strengthen prevention efforts, and build safer communities across Kansas. It also reaffirmed the collective commitment of advocates and survivors working every day to end domestic and sexual violence.

Free, confidential help is available 24/7.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, contact the SafeLine Kansas Helpline at 888-363-2287 or find a local advocacy program at kcsdv.org/find-help.