Ending men's violence against women was the focus of the second annual Safe Homes, Safe Streets Awareness Day and Reception on February 10, 2005.
More than 300 people attended the day's activities, including 100 advocates from across the state.
The theme this year was "Putting the Spotlight on Sexual Violence."
One of the day's featured speakers asked men to join in the work.
"My challenge to men is stepping up and using your voice," said keynote speaker Don McPherson, former NFL quarterback and current violence prevention activist. "Being a good guy is not enough."
"Join in what I think is the last of the good fights," McPherson said during the evening reception. "We have to confront sexism and misogyny every place it exists."
Others speakers focused on policy change in order to end the violence. Governor Sebelius discussed
"Taking out the deficit by making our streets and homes and communities less safe is a bad way to make a decision," Sebelius said.
Frank Henderson, executive director of the Crime Victims Compensation Board, pushed for legislation that would prevent a rape victim's past from being exposed beyond the rape incident during all phases of a trial.
"Without the protections supported by the rape shield laws, fewer cases are reported, fewer cases are prosecuted, and rape and sexual assaults go unpunished," Henderson said. "That is not justice."
A survivor of rape who attended the press conference echoed that sentiment.
"If you have to have everything that has ever gone on in your past put on trial, that's going to put a lot of fear in a lot of young women," said Laurie Yocum, who survived a rape by an acquaintance ten years ago.
Another speaker pushed for legislation that would raise money for services for victims of sexual and domestic violence in Kansas.
"Raising funds to help ensure victims don't have to travel two, four, six, or twelve counties to get help in a crisis or to receive basic life-saving shelter will also make the homes and streets of Kansas a little safer," said Sandy Barnett, executive director of KCSDV.
The morning press conference marked the official unveiling of the new sexual assault display, "The Ribbon Tree - Remembering Rape," developed by KCSDV's Sexual Assault Task Force in order to demonstrate the low percentage of rapes - only one in five - that are reported to law enforcement.
One hundred nine teal ribbons hung from the ten-foot fichus tree, representing the number of rapes committed in Kansas every week. Twenty-four tags with stories of the rapes and the word "Reported" in bold block letters also hung from the tree, representing the number of rapes reported each week to law enforcement.
The event also featured twenty displays from KCSDV and its member programs as well as the Silent Witness Exhibit.
Kathy Williams, executive director of the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center, and Jack Cooley, volunteer with the Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence Services, received the Juliene Maska Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award at the reception.
The day's other speakers included Megan Bushell, Miss Kansas; Bob Stephan, former attorney general; Laura Patzner, outgoing KCSDV Board President; Sarah Terwelp, incoming KCSDV Board President; and Marlou Wegener, a representative of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas.
Sponsors included the Topeka Capital-Journal; Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas; Preferred Health; Community National Bank; Goose One; Goose Too; John Martin; Craig and Ann Case; Dwight Menke; and Wright, Henson, Clark, Hutton, Mudrick & Gragson, LLP.
Boston Market, Jersey Mikes Subs, Mr. Goodcents, and Olive Garden provided food donations.
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