WICHITA – (April 21, 2015) – Kansas Governor Sam Brownback and Attorney General Derek Schmidt will host the 18th Annual Crime Victims Rights Conference on April 23-24, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center in Wichita.
This event brings together law enforcement, prosecutors, victims’ advocates, social service providers, health care professionals, crime victims and other interested parties to learn about resources and support services for victims of crime.
“This is an opportunity for those who so often are the first to deal with crime victims to come together and learn how better to ensure the safety of their communities and help those in need,” said Governor Brownback.
“The conference recognizes the dedicated crime victim service professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly for all crime victims in Kansas, “Attorney General Schmidt said.
This year’s theme, “Engaging Communities and Empowering Victims,” highlights the need to engage our community leaders and organizations to provide services and support in assisting crime victims and empower them in the healing process. A collaborative response to crime opens the door to new services for victims, keeps communities safer and increases offender accountability.
This year’s conference includes 32 workshops and four keynote presentations to provide professional development. Keynote speakers are:
- Lt. Mark Wynn (ret), Wynn Consulting, Nashville, Tenn.
- Melissa Farley, Ph.D., Prostitution Research and Education, San Francisco
- Steve Siegel, Director, Special Programs Unit, Denver District Attorney’s Office, Denver
- Matthew Sandusky, Founder, Peaceful Hearts Foundation, State College, Pa.
Governor Brownback will provide opening remarks on Thursday, April 23 at 8:15 a.m.
Attorney General Schmidt will present the annual awards at the luncheon on Friday, April 24 at 11:15 a.m.
Conference sponsors include; Kansas Governor’s Office, Kansas Attorney General’s Office, Kansas Department for Children and Families, Kansas Department of Labor, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kansas/Midwest Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Sheriff’s Association, Kansas Highway Patrol, Appriss, Inc., U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime/National Criminal Justice Reference Service, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Court Appointed Special Advocates Association, Kansas Organization for Victims Assistance, Kansas Department of Corrections, Kansas Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Kansas DUI Impact Center and the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center.
