KCSDV is saddened and shaken by the news of Perla Rodriguez’s murder.

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault always had the right to appear in court, but all too often, they were left out of proceedings when a plea was made in front of a judge.

In most instances when a defendant in a criminal case where violence is involved is arrested, the victim will say that he or she looks forward to closure. The victim honestly believes that if the perpetrator is convicted they (the victim) can put the matter at rest and put the horrible experience behind them. In almost every instance they will find that there is no such thing as complete closure. The experience is going to be a living nightmare for the rest of their life. There is no way to do away with the memory of the injustice that was visited upon them.

“I thought I was dying, and I was glad. I was probably 8 or 9 years old.” – Robert Stephan

Northeast Kansas’ Friends of Yates opens a newly renovated section of its domestic violence shelter to victims and survivors on October 30, 2017. The community support organization has long been a staple of Wyandotte County and celebrates its shelter’s 37th year this year.