October is domestic violence awareness month and people across the country are working together to increase awareness of this serious crime. The Attorney General’s Office has made a special effort to stop abuse and educate law enforcement about how to investigate these unique cases.
Due to the nature of these crimes, domestic violence cases can be extremely challenging to prosecute. Domestic violence cases are unique because the victim typically loves the abuser. In some cases a victim will refuse to testify against the assailant, making the prosecutor’s job even more difficult.
That’s why my office has been traveling the state, training county attorneys and police on how to successfully build and prosecute domestic violence cases.
We’re teaching law enforcement how to conduct a top-notch investigation at the scene. This provides prosecutors with a strong foundation for their case, even if the victim recants his or her original testimony.
During the past year, my office has trained 3,250 law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Members of my staff have also presented at the National District Attorney’s Association annual domestic violence program and other training opportunities across the country.
We’re also making new efforts to address the serious problem of stalking. My office has provided a model policy on stalking to law enforcement, as well as hands on training on this issue.
Despite the difficulty of prosecuting domestic violence and stalking cases, local law enforcement officers across Kansas are stepping up to the challenge, protecting victims and putting abusers behind bars. My office has worked many of these cases to hold abusers accountable for their violence against women and children.
Domestic violence puts our children in danger and jeopardizes our communities. I’m encouraged by law enforcement’s response to our trainings, but I recognize we have more work to do. My office still gets numerous reports of domestic abuse, stalking, and child abuse.
This is just the beginning of our work on this issue. My office will continue to provide resources to counties, expand training opportunities for prosecutors and law enforcement, review domestic violence programs and offer support for victims to put them on the road to recovery.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic abuse, contact your local law enforcement or call my office at (800) 828-9745 for assistance. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. No one should live in fear.
