This week, The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) hosts its 9th annual Safe Homes, Safe Streets event in which advocates and community leaders from across the state gather in Topeka to raise awareness of the current realities of domestic and sexual violence and stalking in Kansas and what is being done to meet the current needs.

Sexual assault and domestic violence are pervasive in Kansas and across the nation. In fact, recent 2011 prevalence data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that a significant percentage of women, children and men are directly affected by this violence in their lifetimes.

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.

KCSDV is pleased to hear that District Attorney Chad Taylor has agreed to restart his prosecution of domestic violence misdemeanors occurring in the Topeka city limits. We remain vigilant, however, as he warns the community about the “consequences” of these recent events.

The Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence and the National Network to End Domestic Violence are shocked that the City of Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas, have decided that the safety of their citizens who are victims of domestic violence is not a priority.