In 7-to-3 Vote, Topeka City Council Fails to Reverse Decision Releasing Domestic Abusers From Jail to ‘Save Money’
Domestic violence abusers will continue to roam free within Topeka city limits, now making Topeka, Kansas the homophobia and domestic violence capitol of the world. A vote by the Topeka City Council tonight to repeal their municipal city ordinance allowing domestic abusers to leave jail to save money—defeated 7 to 3—leaves the women of Topeka with no recourse against abuse within the city. If they wish for justice to be served, they will have to be geographically located outside of the city limits, within Shawnee County.
Mayor Bunten, who has made numerous promises of working toward a compromise, admitted tonight that he hasn’t even talked to Shawnee County DA Chad Taylor in ten days. Ten days of batterers being let free to repeat their abuse.
Mayor Bunten also stated that the Shawnee County DA would be forced into the position of prosecuting domestic violence crimes with the repeal of the city ordinance. That statement was incorrect, in fact, the DA’s prosecutorial power is discretionary. This leaves the women of Topeka without any recourse against their abusers.