About MSR Institute

Our Story

MSR Institute was born out of both professional insight and personal conviction. For years, founder Millicent Starnes worked within advocacy, legal, and faith-based systems — witnessing firsthand the lack of consistent trauma-informed education across these fields. Survivors often faced re-traumatization when seeking help from professionals untrained in the dynamics of sexual violence.

Recognizing this gap, Millicent founded the MSR Institute as a bridge between advocacy and education, ensuring that future advocates, pastors, teachers, and legal professionals receive proper training on survivor care, prevention, and justice-centered response.

What We Offer

The Institute provides a range of specialized training programs and educational initiatives designed for:

• Victim advocates and crisis responders

• Faith leaders and lay counselors

• Healthcare professionals and first responders

• Legal professionals, educators, and community leaders

Our programs include both in-person and virtual options, with opportunities for out-of-state and international participants. All courses are taught by an accredited advocate certified by the NACP, ensuring the highest standard of professional and ethical training.

Our Core Areas of Focus

• Education & Certification – Comprehensive training in sexual violence prevention, survivor advocacy, and trauma-informed response.

• Research & Innovation – Conducting up-to-date studies on sexual violence in both community and faith-based contexts to close information gaps and promote accurate data.

• Consultation & Coaching – Offering organizational assessments, survivor coaching, and leadership guidance for institutions seeking to strengthen their prevention and response efforts.

• Global Accessibility – Delivering hybrid (online and in-person) learning experiences for professionals worldwide.

Our Commitment

MSR Institute stands out because we not only teach what needs to change — we show how to create that change within systems, institutions, and communities. Every program is guided by principles of:

• Integrity and Evidence-Based Practice

• Faith and Human Dignity

• Cultural Competence and Equity

• Empowerment and Accountability

Our Vision for the Future

We envision a world where every professional who encounters a survivor — from hospitals to churches to courtrooms — is trained to respond with empathy, respect, and justice. Through education, research, and advocacy, MSR Institute seeks to become a global leader in reshaping how society understands and addresses sexual violence.