The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) today welcomed new data that once again confirms many things known about sexual violence, domestic violence and stalking: this type of violence is widespread in the United States.

KCSDV is pleased to hear that District Attorney Chad Taylor has agreed to restart his prosecution of domestic violence misdemeanors occurring in the Topeka city limits. We remain vigilant, however, as he warns the community about the “consequences” of these recent events.

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence and the National Network to End Domestic Violence are shocked that the City of Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas, have decided that the safety of their citizens who are victims of domestic violence is not a priority.

The funding battle over who will pay to prosecute domestic violence misdemeanors in Shawnee County and the City of Topeka must be resolved immediately! Statements made publicly in the last several weeks have shown a startling disregard for the gravity of these crimes.

It is with shame and embarrassment that KCSDV notes, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, that the City of Topeka and Shawnee County have not yet resolved their debate about who will prosecute domestic violence misdemeanor crimes.