PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release - November 1, 2005
Contact: Laurie Harrison 785.232.9784 (office), 785.633.9703 (cell), or lharrison@kcsdv.org
Statement by Sandy Barnett, Executive Director of KCSDV
In response to Alyssa Rose Vasquez Amber Alert
Topeka, Kan. - At least three recent cases of Amber Alerts issued by Kansas have involved domestic violence, including yesterday's abduction of Alyssa Rose Vasquez, a 22-month-old girl, following the beating of her mother in her home in Chase, Kansas. This demonstrates that the Amber Alert system is useful in domestic violence-related cases. In all three instances, due to the Amber Alert system's quick response and collaboration between participating agencies, the abducted children were found and returned safely to their families.
The three recent cases make up 50% of the all Amber Alerts issued by Kansas since its launch in the state in 2002, according to the Kansas Amber Alert Web site.
These three cases indicate that at the point children are abducted, the level of violence is dangerous and can be lethal. In July 2005, Earl Hayes Jr. beat his ex-girlfriend in her home and then kidnapped their five-year-old son. In September 2004, Justin Shirk killed his ex-wife in her home and then abducted their five-year-old daughter.
We can only imagine the pain and anguish Alyssa and her family are experiencing today and the trauma they may go through in the future as a result of yesterday's events.
Help is available for victims. We urge all Kansans to remember that if they hear or see someone being hurt to call 911 immediately, and if they or someone they know needs support to call the Kansas Crisis Hotline 1-888-END ABUSE (1-888-363-2287). For a list of domestic violence programs in Kansas, visit www.kcsdv.org/ksresources.html or call 785-232-9784.
KCSDV is the state's only statewide network of domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs whose primary goals are safety, accountability, and justice. KCSDV works to support its 30 member programs by increasing public awareness through education and advocacy, exploring new options for services and funding, and by working for social change.
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