Crime Victim Rights in Kansas
Crime victims in Kansas have important rights throughout the criminal justice process. The Cherokee County Attorney's Office is committed to keeping victims informed, treating them with dignity and respect, and helping them access the resources available under state law.
Kansas victims' rights are set out in K.S.A. 22-3436, which describes the rights of victims, including the right to be informed about court proceedings, to be present at hearings, to be heard at sentencing, and to seek restitution. Read K.S.A. 22-3436 (PDF)
Crime Victim Compensation
The Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board may provide financial assistance to victims of violent crime to help cover expenses such as medical bills, mental health counseling, lost wages, and funeral expenses. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the Board.
- Application for Crime Victim Compensation Download PDF
Victim Impact Statement
If you are the victim of a crime in a case being prosecuted by the Cherokee County Attorney's Office, you may submit a Victim Impact Statement that describes how the crime has affected you. The statement may be considered by the court at sentencing.
- Victim Impact Statement Download PDF
Protection Orders
Kansas law provides two primary civil protection orders for people who fear for their safety:
Protection from Abuse (PFA)
A PFA order is available to protect a person from abuse by a household member, intimate partner, or family member. It can order the abuser to stop contact, leave the shared residence, and stay away from the victim, the victim's children, workplace, and school.
Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault, or Human Trafficking (PFS)
A PFS order is available for victims of stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking, even when the offender is not a household or family member.
Protection orders are civil orders obtained through the district court, not through the County Attorney's Office. For help filing a PFA or PFS order, contact Safehouse Crisis Center or the Cherokee County District Court Clerk.
Kansas Safe at Home
Safe at Home is Kansas's address confidentiality program, administered by the Kansas Secretary of State. It provides a substitute mailing address to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking to help them keep their actual location confidential. Participants receive a substitute address that can be used with state and local agencies.
For information or to apply, visit the Kansas Secretary of State's website or call the Safe at Home program.
VINE — Victim Information & Notification Everyday
VINE is a free, confidential service that allows victims of crime to receive automatic notification of changes in an offender's custody status. You can register to receive notifications by phone, email, or text message. The Kansas Attorney General's Office has also added a searchable service provider directory and an "I Need Guidance" feature to help victims connect with local resources.
VINE Hotline: 1-866-574-8463 (1-866-KS-4-VINE)
Online: vinelink.com
Local Resources
Safehouse Crisis Center
Safehouse Crisis Center provides 24/7 crisis support, safe shelter, advocacy, and services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in Cherokee County and the surrounding area.
24/7 Crisis Line: 800-794-9148
Text: 620-670-0754
CHC/SEK Forensic & Victim Services
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) offers forensic and victim services for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Services include forensic nursing, trauma-informed medical care, nurse case management, behavioral health, and coordination of wraparound services.
Forensic & Victim Services Hotline: 620-240-5090
Spring River Mental Health & Wellness
Spring River Mental Health & Wellness provides mental health and behavioral health services to residents of Cherokee County and Southeast Kansas, including counseling and crisis support.
Kansas Domestic Violence / Sexual Assault Hotline
24/7 Statewide Hotline: 1-888-363-2287