Domestic violence legislation advanced

The Kansas House on Thursday advanced legislation aimed at reducing domestic violence and improving ways to identify offenders and steer them to treatment.

Domestic violence legislation advanced

The Kansas House on Thursday advanced legislation aimed at reducing domestic violence and improving ways to identify offenders and steer them to treatment.

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Kansas Sexual and Domestic Violence Programs

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State Rep. Pat Colloton, R-Leawood, called House Bill 2517 “one of the most important” public safety measures of the legislative session, and she cited the murder of Jana Mackey as she urged House passage. A final vote on the bill is expected Friday.

Mackey, a Kansas University law student, was killed in 2008 in Lawrence by a former boyfriend, who subsequently committed suicide. Mackey was well-known for her work on many social justice issues.

Mackey’s parents, Christie and Curt Brungardt, have been pushing for the bill. Christie Brungardt was in the House gallery Thursday during discussion of the measure.

The bill would expand the kinds of crimes that could be considered as domestic violence and require authorities to direct offenders into treatment programs.

Demand Rising for Services

*In 2007, programs provided services to 10% more people than in 2006.

*In 2009, program provided more face-to-face services to new people: 9% more for domestic and 16% more for sexual violence than 2007.

*58 Kansas counties experiences higher levels of domestic violence and 33 counties experienced higher levels of sexual violence in 2009 than in 2007.

*Some programs reported an increase up to 70% for services.

*The turn away rate in urban counties is almost as high as the number who can be helped.

*93% of women in Kansas agree domestic violence is a problem. On a scale from 0-10, women reported it as the 3rd most important health issue following cancer and heart disease.

*Those seeking services in Kansas programs report more intense violence levels.

*As violence intensity increases, so does the likelihood of the abuser using children as a control tool over the victim.

*30% of women in Kansas know someone, other than themselves, who is a victim of domestic violence. 10.1% of adult women reported violence victimization. That's 106,419 Kansas female victims a year.

*3 out of 5 victims don't know where to go for help.

*91% of victims report their situation improved after using services.

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