Kansas statute states that domestic violence is (1) an act or threat of violence; (2) against a person in a dating relationship, family member, or member of a shared household; (3) either physical action to person or damage to personal property. If a police officer has probable cause to believe a domestic violence crime has been committed, the officer shall make an arrest. It’s the law. Call 911 immediately if a domestic violence situation is actively occurring.
Victim safety is important, so if an arrest is made, the police provide reasonable efforts to notify the identified victim when the offender is being released from jail. In addition, a victim can self-enroll for Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) Services which are automated notifications via phone, text, or email of offender’s release from jail, too.
The Crisis Center, Inc. offers free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A Crisis Center advocate responds on-scene to domestic violence calls to assist victims with safety planning and discuss options available, including a Protection from Abuse Order.