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.

The National Center for Victims of Crime has designated January as National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 3.4 million victims each year. The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence encourages everyone to learn the facts and know the resources available for victims in Kansas.

We extend our sympathies to the families and friends of Karen, Emily and Lauren Kahler who were murdered Thanksgiving weekend in Burlingame. We are horrified, and yet these deaths serve as a start reminder that Kansas has a long way to go to achieve communities free from domestic violence.

On April 8, President Obama signed a proclamation dedicating the month of April as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

During the month of January, communities across the country will observe National Stalking Awareness Month, a time to focus on a crime that affects 1.4 million victims each year. The Office on Violence Against Women of the U.S. Department of Justice reports that one in 12 women and one in 45 men will be stalked in their lifetime, for an average duration of almost two years.