KTKA

Many people met on the lawn at the capital to recognized victims of domestic and sexual violence and let them know Kansas advocates are working for them. Bob Stephan has been fighting for victim's right for over 20 years, and says he knows first hand the dangers of domestic violence. "Concern for victims was important, but in particular domestic violence was a part of my life, my mother was victimized by me father and battered and to this day I still think about it, and still dream about it at time. I just knew there had to be changes to help folks that endure the horror of domestic violence," Stephan said.

Many people fall victim everyday to abuse. "About 10 percent of Kansas women have reported being victims of domestic violence," advocate Joyce Grover said, and those are just the women who have reported it, many victims never come forward.

Grover says there is help. "First with the hotline then if they need it with safe confidential shelter, and for many women and children that supportive counseling is ongoing."

Help is available because of the efforts of people like Bob Stephan who fought for a law for victim's rights. "I was well aware when I was on the bench as a judge that victims didn't have the opportunity to speak in court as to what they endured as a result of crime and there were virtually no victims rights. So I resigned in 1978 ran for attorney general in 79 and really started full blown," Stephan said.

When the law was signed in 1989 this tree was planted, and 20 years later it still stands to represent how hard people are fighting to help victims.

The hotline number to call is 888-363-2287 or click here: Domestic Violence Website