Kansas Coalition Responds to Hesston, Kansas Shooting

For Immediate Release:  Friday, February 26, 2016

KCSDV Media Contact:  joyceg@kcsdv.org; o: 785-232-9784, c: 785-231-8933

Topeka, KS, 2/26/2016 –  Today, the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence expresses condolences for the families and communities impacted by the mass shooting in Hesston, KS. As information is released, KCSDV and others are learning of the connection to domestic violence.  A protection from abuse order was served on the shooter a short time before this rampage began.

According to the national analysis on mass shootings, significant numbers of them are related to domestic violence, usually with the victim of domestic violence and/or children and family members also being killed. The shooting in Hesston has its own connection to domestic violence, with the shooter having been served with a protection order at work only a couple hours before. When victims reach out for help or attempt to leave an abusive relationship, the abuser’s violence may increase or become more lethal. This is why 24-hour advocacy services are so critical for victims.

“Domestic violence impacts everyone and every community in Kansas, and sadly this shooting is another example of that impact,” said Joyce Grover, executive director of the KCSDV, “Our condolences go out to the people impacted by this shooting.”

Kansas advocacy programs serve over 25,000 victims every year, providing support and helping them reach a safe place when they are in danger. “There is help and support for victims, family members, communities, workplace managers, and others who come face to face with domestic violence.  We urge Kansans to reach out to the Kansas crisis hotline, their local advocacy program or KCSDV for help in addressing this violence,” said Grover.

The Kansas crisis hotline can be reached by calling 1-888-End Abuse (1-888-363-2287). For information on local advocacy programs in Kansas visit www.kcsdv.org/find-help

Founded in 1982, the purpose of KCSDV is the prevention and elimination of sexual and domestic violence through a statewide network of programs providing support and safety for all victims of sexual and domestic violence and stalking, with primary focus on women and their children; direct services; public awareness and education; advocacy for victims; comprehensive prevention; and, social change efforts. Learn more at www.kcsdv.org, or call 785-232-9784.

KANSAS CRISIS HOTLINE: 888-END-ABUSE | 888-363-2287

Last Updated on Jan 21, 2019