“Raising the Standard of Care for Survivors of Sexual Violence.”
About MSR Institute
The Millicent Starnes Recovery Institute (MSRI) provides professional training, certification, and recovery education focused on sexual violence prevention and survivor-centered advocacy. Founded by nationally accredited advocate Millicent Starnes, MSRI is committed to transforming the systems of care that support survivors — through education, faith, and evidence-based practice.
Thank you! Young Memorial A.M.E Zion Church
The Millicent Starnes Recovery Institute extends our heartfelt thanks to Young Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in New Market, Tennessee for completing our Sexual Violence 101: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding to Sexual Violence in Faith Communities training.
Your commitment to creating a safe, informed, and compassionate environment for survivors is an inspiration to faith communities everywhere. Through open dialogue, empathy, and action, your church has taken a vital step toward ending silence and promoting healing within the body of Christ.
We celebrate your leadership and thank you for joining us in our mission to raise the standard of care for survivors of all forms of sexual violence.
Why We Stand Out
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We place survivors’ voices and safety at the heart of everything we teach. Our training equips professionals to respond to survivors with compassion, dignity, and trauma-informed care.
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MSR Institute bridges the gap between faith and science—merging biblical principles of restoration with evidence-based psychological and legal practices to promote healing and justice.
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We are one of the few institutions to educate on the realities of organized, ritualistic, and systemic sexual abuse, empowering professionals to recognize patterns, respond appropriately, and advocate for survivors who have endured the most severe forms of violence. Every survivor deserves visibility, protection, and care.
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From foundational 40-hour certifications to advanced continuing education programs, we prepare advocates, clergy, therapists, and legal professionals to identify, prevent, and respond to sexual violence across all settings.
All trainings are led by an NACP-accredited advocate, ensuring participants receive instruction from a nationally recognized expert in trauma-informed advocacy.
Training is offered both in-person in Seattle and online, making our programs accessible to participants nationwide and globally. -
We focus not only on individual healing but also on institutional and cultural reform. Our graduates are trained to challenge harmful systems, influence policy, and create lasting change in their communities.
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Our partnership with Her Voice Matters provides direct support and coaching for survivors, bridging education with lived experience and ensuring our advocacy remains survivor-centered and practical.
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We believe that effective advocacy honors diversity. Our programs address the intersection of trauma with race, gender, faith, and culture, ensuring all survivors receive equitable, culturally aware care.
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Founded by Millicent Starnes, a nationally accredited advocate and survivor, MSR Institute embodies courage, authenticity, and the unwavering belief that healing is possible through education, justice, and faith.
At the Millicent Starnes Recovery Institute (MSR Institute), we are raising the national standard for sexual violence education and recovery by training professionals to lead with both expertise and empathy.
Mission
We envision a future where all systems, medical, legal, faith-based, and educational, are fully equipped to prevent sexual violence, protect survivors, and promote healing.
Vision
To equip professionals and communities with the knowledge, tools, and ethics to respond to sexual violence with compassion, accountability, and trauma-informed excellence, ensuring that every survivor receives the dignity and justice they deserve.
Trainings & Courses
Empowering education begins here. At MSR Institute, we offer trauma-informed training and professional development programs designed to equip advocates, leaders, and communities with the tools to prevent, respond to, and heal from sexual violence. Learn at your own pace — online or in person — with courses led by accredited professionals committed to justice, compassion, and change.