Harbor House provides safe space as domestic violence cases rise in Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and a local nonprofit continues to provide a safe space for survivors while working to…
Oct 13, 2026
WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and a local nonprofit continues to provide a safe space for survivors while working to reduce domestic violence cases in the city.
“It is a vicious cycle that can be very difficult,” said Keri McGregor, program director at Harbor House.
Domestic violence is increasing in the area, making awareness efforts more important.
“The numbers continue to rise, and that would include our hotline calls, people calling for help at all hours of the day,” said McGregor. “Our advocates are carrying very high caseloads of individuals who are trying to navigate these unhealthy and unsafe situations.”
Outreach and accessible services
McGregor said Harbor House, where survivors of domestic violence receive help, has focused on outreach so people know there is a safe place to go.
“We are doing a better job at making sure that our services are available and that they are accessible,” McGregor said. “So, I think we are seeing people reach out at a higher frequency because they know what those resources are.”
The organization says it is important to have free, confidential and voluntary services.
“We can come to them, provide safety planning,” McGregor said. “We can provide access to resources like employment, housing, financial assistance, assistance with a court case, protective orders, all sorts of different things.”
Community role
Advocates say the community plays an important role in stopping violence.
“We cannot solve this problem in a silo,” McGregor said. “We have to work together as a community within all the different systems that victims might need to access.”
McGregor said people can volunteer and donate to their local shelter and participate in Purple Day this Thursday, when people wear purple in solidarity with those who have experienced domestic violence.
“We want the community to really be colored in purple,” McGregor said. “We want everyone to see survivors and family members who have lost loved ones, that Wichita cares about domestic violence, we care about raising awareness, and we care that these resources are available for survivors.”
If you or someone you know needs help, call the domestic violence hotline at 316-263-6000.
You can learn more about Harbor House and its services on their website.
Story featured by Ana Valdez, KWCH News