Kansas City launches Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Program

Kansas City launches Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Program
City, law enforcement and advocates partner to prevent repeat harm

For immediate release: Friday, March 27, 2026

Kansas City today announced the launch of the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention (IPVI) Focused Deterrence Program, an evidence-based strategy designed to reduce repeat intimate partner violence through earlier intervention, accountability, and coordinated support services.

The program is a partnership between the City of Kansas City, the Kansas City Police Department, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office, and local domestic violence service organizations. The initiative adapts focused deterrence strategies previously used to address group violence in Kansas City, applying them specifically to intimate partner violence.

Funding for the IPVI program includes a $400,000 grant from the Bloch Family Foundation, awarded to the Police Foundation of Kansas City, Missouri, Inc., and a $75,000 investment from the City of Kansas City through the Health Department. Additional support is being pursued to sustain the program long-term, including the addition of a dedicated program manager.

"Intimate partner violence remains one of the most complex and dangerous forms of violence our city faces," said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "Our strategy prioritizes early intervention, accountability, and support for families, strengthening our ability to prevent and disrupt cycles of violence before they escalate into serious harm or tragedy."

A prevention-focused, evidence-based approach
The IPVI model identifies people at risk of committing repeat intimate partner violence and provides direct, clear communication that violence will not be tolerated - paired with coordinated service options for both victims and individuals causing harm. The approach emphasizes:

• early intervention
• swift and credible consequences for continued harm
• strong coordination between law enforcement, prosecutors and community partners
• access to supportive services to reduce risk factors

Jurisdictions using similar intervention models have reported reductions in repeat IPV of 20% or more.

Kansas City's launch follows a troubling rise in domestic violence homicides in 2025, including cases involving individuals with no prior criminal history - underscoring the need for earlier intervention strategies.

"This program will fill a critical gap by focusing on early intervention, particularly among first-time and lower-level offenders, to prevent intimate partner violence before it escalates, by providing access to services that support behavior change while ensuring accountability if violence continues," said Assistant City Manager Lace Cline, Public Safety and Emergency Services. "It will strengthen existing coordination across the criminal justice system and our service partners to reduce harm and ultimately save lives.

Community partnership and survivor support
Local domestic violence service organizations are central to the IPVI model, ensuring survivors have access to safety planning, advocacy, housing resources, and counseling. Representatives from the following organizations will support implementation:

• Newhouse
• Synergy Services
• Hope House
• Mattie Rhodes Center

"These organizations bring deep expertise and trusted relationships within the community," said Melesa Johnson, Jackson County prosecuting attorney. "Their involvement ensures this initiative remains survivor-centered and grounded in real-world experience."

Implementing the IPVI program
Kansas City will implement the IPVI Focused Deterrence Program over a two-year period with support from the National Network for Safe Communities. The program is designed to be sustainable beyond launch and will be evaluated for effectiveness in reducing repeat violence and improving survivor outcomes.

For more information about domestic violence resources in Kansas City, residents may contact local service providers directly.

Find this release in multiple languages at kcmo.gov/news.