The Wichita Family Crisis Center and the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center have created a new partnership to provide services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Sumner and Cowley Counties.
Through new funding by the Kansas Governor’s Grants Program, the two agencies will now be able to provide support with safety planning, crisis counseling, medical and legal advocacy, and assistance with emergency shelter if needed.
Combined, Sumner and Cowley counties have a population of about 59,000 people. Nicole Coba with the Wichita Family Crisis Center says recent statistics show 155 incidents of domestic violence were reported in Sumner County, and 333 incidents in Cowley County.
"In addition, there were 18 violations of protection order reports in Sumner and 116 in Cowley County, so there is still a great need for these services," she says. "Now, these statistics, of course, are from what is being reported there’s also those that aren't reported."
Offices in Wellington and Winfield opened earlier this month.
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Carla Eckels is interim news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.
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