Manhattan highlights domestic violence crisis during October awareness month
Manhattan, Kansas — As the nation recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, Riley County is confronting grim local statistics that underscore the severity of intimate partner violence in the community.
Riley County police reported 576 domestic violence incidents in 2024, resulting in 252 arrests and 20 dual arrests. One of those incidents ended in homicide — a reminder that the issue can turn deadly.
The numbers reflect a nationwide problem. Nearly half of women in the United States will face physical violence from an intimate partner at some point in their lives, and almost 4 women are murdered daily by intimate partners, according to national statistics.
Locally, victim advocate coordinator Melissa Mosher said her office served 219 crime victims during the past grant year, with domestic violence topping the list of cases handled.
"My crime categories continue to be number one as serving domestic violence victims, followed by adult sexual assault, followed by children as victims of crime," Mosher told the Riley County Police Department leadership in October.
Kansas holds moderate domestic violence rates and faces shelter availability challenges that limit the effectiveness of protective measures for survivors, according to state-level assessments.
To raise awareness and support survivors, the Crisis Center is hosting the "Closed Line Project" — a survivor's art exhibit — at the Manhattan Town Center mall this month. The project features t-shirts decorated with imagery and messages from domestic violence victims and their supporters.
The department is also highlighting one of its most successful community partnerships. Since 1987, the Riley County Police Department and the Crisis Center have operated the Police Response Advocacy Program, one of only three such programs in Kansas.
When domestic violence calls come into dispatch, a volunteer or advocate from the Crisis Center is also summoned. After victims give their statements to police, they have the opportunity to meet with the advocate to discuss safety planning and learn about available services.
"We are one of only three communities in the state of Kansas that does offer this service to citizens," Mosher said, noting that the collaboration provides critical wraparound support for those experiencing abuse.
Looking ahead, the police department is launching an initiative to reduce repeat domestic violence offenses. One focus involves research into improving the department's response to intimate partner violence calls to strengthen community safety.
Director Brian Peete noted that reducing recidivism in domestic violence cases is a division goal for both investigations and patrol units.
"It's a great collaboration that we have with the Crisis Center and our citizens," Mosher said. "It's just another way that we're reaching out and providing that wraparound collaborative support to ensure community safety."
The Riley County Police Department is partnering with the county attorney's office and the Crisis Center to share messaging at community events throughout October. The collaboration aims to reach residents who may not otherwise encounter information about available resources.
For those seeking help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233.