TOPEKA – The Topeka City Council has repealed its law against domestic violence for budget reasons. The mayor and council said domestic violence cases can be handled by state courts. The move comes a month after the Shawnee County prosecutor decided to stop prosecuting domestic violence battery cases inside Topeka – also for budget reasons. Topeka city manager Don Stanley said the prosecutor’s stand is unprecedented and he said the city’s move is a message. Advocates for domestic violence victims said the moves are austerity run amok. “People are being denied their basic human rights to safety and protection under our laws,” said Kathryn Wood, one of those advocates. “And it has got to be addressed immediately.”
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.
