EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – Abuse does not discriminate by age, gender, income, or circumstance. If you believe you are experiencing abuse, please see the detailed list at the end of this article for local support services.
In 2024, the Excelsior Springs Police Department recorded 85 domestic assaults and 17 violations of protection orders, totaling 102 domestic-violence-related offenses for the year. Lieutenant Ryan Dowdy of ESPD said that while the department responds quickly to any call involving domestic violence, many cases never move forward. Last year, 21 investigations were closed because victims declined to continue proceedings.
ESPD encourages anyone fearing for their safety to call 911, reach their non-emergency line at 816-630-2000, or visit the precinct at any time. Dowdy also explained that he understands victims may sometimes hesitate reaching out to police, so as not to escalate any abuse. He shared that no matter where victims are in the process of seeking help, documentation is crucial. Even if a victim isn’t ready to pursue charges, saving photos, text messages, or videos can later serve as key evidence for seeking legal protection.
Dowdy said the department understands that fear and uncertainty often hold victims back. In past cases, officers have met individuals in unmarked vehicles and helped them plan an exit when the abuser wasn’t home. He explained ESPD’s willingness to help people leave safely without any expectation that they’ll press charges, as their main priority is to keep victims safe.
The first step for victims in identifying the need for help is understanding what abuse is. For domestic violence, abuse may include the following, per the CDC:
- Physical violence: a person uses physical force to hurt their partner.
- Sexual violence: defined as forcing or attempting to force their partner into unwanted sex acts in which the victim does not or is not able to consent.
- Stalking: may look like a pattern of non-consensual contact or attention that may cause fear or safety concerns for the victim or close loved ones.
- Psychological aggression: verbal or non-verbal communication with the intention of causing harm or to exert control; may be referred to as mental or emotional abuse.
The struggle to escape abusive situations is not limited to Excelsior Springs, although the city is just one of many in Missouri and beyond to face unique challenges in ensuring victims receive the support they need. According to the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (MOCADSV), 41.8 % of Missouri women and 35.2 % of Missouri men experience intimate-partner physical violence, sexual violence, and/or intimate-partner stalking in their lifetimes.
According to data published in the National Library of Medicine, healthcare workers are usually the first individuals to have the opportunity to notice and report abuse.
Local Support
Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD)
ESPD will help by responding to emergencies, but also provides victims with printed information outlining their rights and available resources. The department’s Adult Abuse Information brochure lists emergency contacts, legal instructions, and hotline numbers. They can meet victims where they are in their journey seeking justice.
Excelsior Springs Hospital
Those seeking immediate help may visit ESH’s emergency department to report injuries, receive help with documentation, and receive assistance in contacting law enforcement. Victims may also contact their physicians or report a need to any healthcare office’s staff, as they are required to look out for and report abuse.
Good Samaritan Center
At 108 S. Thompson Ave., the Good Samaritan Center serves as one of several licensed Safe Place sites in the city through Synergy Services, Inc. The center offers immediate refuge for anyone in danger or needing a place to regroup. As a community-based nonprofit, it connects people to emergency aid, food, counseling, and referrals to crisis services. Sarah Noblet of the Good Samaritan Center shared that victims are “very welcome” to stop by unexpectedly and that they will immediately do what they can to ensure safety.
Selah Center for Women’s Ministries
Located at 1727 W. Jesse James Rd., Unit 14, the Selah Center is not a domestic-violence agency but regularly assists women who disclose abuse. Staff said they carry resource materials for victims and maintain an open-door policy for anyone seeking help, whether for emotional, spiritual, or practical support.
Safe Place network
Excelsior Springs hosts four public Safe Place locations (bolder below) operated in partnership with Synergy Services, Inc. The purpose of these sites is to provide immediate relief from danger, and Synergy can help victims find more resources. Anyone can enter these sites and request help connecting to crisis support. Simply walk in and ask about their Safe Place.
If you need help – List of Domestic Violence Resources for Excelsior Springs
- Emergency: 911
- Excelsior Springs Police Department (ESPD) – 301 S. Main St., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 | Non-Emergency: 816-630-2000
- Excelsior Springs Hospital – 1700 Rainbow Blvd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 | Emergency Department/Main Phone: 816-630-6081 (eshospital.org)
- Rose Brooks House (KCMO): 816-861-6100
- Synergy Services 24-Hour Hotline (KCMO): 816-452-8535 or 816-HOTLINE
- Good Samaritan Center (Safe Place): 108 S. Thompson Ave., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 | 816-630-2718
- Selah Center for Women’s Ministries: 1727 W. Jesse James Rd., Unit 14, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 | 816-629-4388
- Excelsior Springs Community Center (Safe Place): 500 Tiger Dr., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 | 816-656-2500
- Mid-Continent Public Library – Excelsior Springs Branch (Safe Place): 1460 Kearney Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024 | 816-630-6721
- QuikTrip #279 (Safe Place): 2021 W. Jesse James Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
- Clay County Courthouse (Protection Orders): 816-407-3850
- Ray County Courthouse (Protection Orders): 816-776-3377
If you are aware of or would like to include additional resources on this list, please email info@excelsiorcitizen.com and we would be happy to add them.
You can find the full 2024 Annual Report from ESPD below, which includes statistics on domestic violence and other crime in Excelsior Springs.
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