KCSDV Honors Governor Laura Kelly as State-Level Elected Official Ally of the Year

TOPEKA, Kan. – Last week, the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) recognized Kansas Governor Laura Kelly as State-Level Elected Official Ally of the Year.

Over 160 people from across Kansas and eight states were present for the 16^th Annual Awards Ceremony Luncheon. The ceremony took place on the second day of the 3^rd Biennial Kansas Conference for Ending Sexual and Domestic Violence hosted by KCSDV.

“The theme of this conference – Engaging in Equity, Accountability, and Justice – truly speaks to our ambition and perseverance as we work to not only curtail, but end sexual and domestic violence in our state,” said Governor Laura Kelly in a letter read at the awards ceremony.

“I am honored to be named the 2019 State-Level Elected Official Ally of the Year, but as I accept this award I must also recognize our state’s leaders and advocates who are working tirelessly alongside me. Groups such as the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence are invaluable to this cause, and we achieve more together than we ever could alone.”

In 2018, Kansas domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs served over 77,000 individuals across the state. The programs provided shelter, crisis intervention, personal advocacy, and accompanied victims and survivors at hospitals, police stations, and courtrooms. They helped children and protective parents rebuild relationships and resiliency in the face of abuse.

“Kansas programs provide life-saving and life-transforming services. But, victims’ and survivors’ ability to rebuild their lives and keep their families safe is based on more than what these programs alone can provide,” said KCSDV’s Director of Advocacy, Education, and Outreach Kathy Ray.

“Governor Kelly is committed to rebuilding the safety nets needed by victims and survivors and their families in Kansas,” said KCSDV’s Executive Director Joyce Grover. “It takes all of us to help victims and their families to not just survive but also thrive and rebuild their lives after the trauma of sexual and domestic violence.”

“Please know that while I am in office, survivors of violence have an ally in the capitol. I am committed to doing everything I can to protect and advocate for them, and I am glad to know that the Kansas Coalition is standing with me as we start this new chapter in Kansas history,” said Governor Kelly in the letter read at the ceremony.

The award is for an elected individual who holds or has recently held a state-level office and demonstrates or has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing victim safety, increasing perpetrator accountability, or working to end or prevent sexual or domestic violence, stalking, or dating violence in Kansas through their leadership and public service.

Learn about the other 2019 statewide awards presented at https://www.kcsdv.org/statewide-awards-2019/.

Learn about the conference at https://www.kcsdv.org/pressrelease-national-experts-speak-on-racial-and-economic-equity/.

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The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV)’s mission is to prevent and eliminate sexual and domestic violence. Find more information on KCSDV’s website at http://kcsdv.org.

The 24-hour Kansas Crisis Hotline is 888-END-ABUSE (888-363-2287).

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