Reporting and Protection Orders
Kinds of Reporting
It is your decision whether or not you want to make a police report. You know what is best for you.
The CARE Center can be there every step of the way no matter what you decide to do.
If you want to make a police report, there are three different options: informational, partial, and criminal. Important to note: certain incidents bypass standard victim-consent protocol and launch a criminal investigation even if this is not the victim’s wish. Some examples include instances involving minors, vulnerable populations, drug-facilitated assaults, or public threat concerns. If you have any questions regarding reporting, our Advocates are here to support you.
An informational report is a report made to law enforcement that does not open a criminal investigation. It is simply your verbal or written account of the incident strictly for recording purposes. If you are unsure about what to do, you can always start with an informational report and decide later to have it investigated. The police will not investigate informational reports without your explicit consent to do so.
A partial investigation is victim-led throughout the investigation. This option gives the victim agency and allows detectives only to investigate specific evidence, and information consented to by the victim. A partial investigation offers a safe route to preserving evidence without resulting in criminal charges and lengthy court proceedings.
The purpose of a criminal investigation is to charge, arrest, and convict a suspect in a court of law. During these investigations, detectives aggressively pursue the facts of the case, conduct interviews, and review all available evidence, in order to apprehend a suspect. Once the investigation is complete, the case is brought to the District Attorney’s Office (DA) for review and charging purposes. In a criminal investigation, the victim does not have ultimate control or decision-making power, although they still play a vital and influential role in the case and are part of the entire process.
It is normal for survivors to worry about reporting to law enforcement. Many people have questions and serious concerns about issues related to their assault, such as alcohol, drug use or immigration status. If you would like someone to talk to about these concerns, Advocates are always available and provide nonjudgmental supportive counseling on our 24/7 Support Hotline at 785-843-8985.
Protection Orders
Protection orders, commonly referred to as ‘restraining orders,’ are for individuals who want to protect themselves from further harm from their abuser/perpetrator/stalker/etc. They are a civil order and are free to file, but require at least one court appearance. It is possible to file a protection order on behalf of your minor child/children. It is important to note that it is up to the discretion of judges as to whether or not protection orders will be granted. In Kansas, a judge can grant a protection order for 1-2 years depending on various circumstances. A protection order can be extended before the date it is set to expire, though it requires some paperwork from the victim/petitioner and can be completed at the courthouse in which the order was filed.
In Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties, there are two different types of protection orders:
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Protection from Abuse (PFA): Protection against an individual with whom you may have either lived with, have a child in common with, or are/have been in a dating relationship with.
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Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault, or Human Trafficking (PFS): protection against an individual who does not meet the criteria of a PFA (e.g. a neighbor, co-worker, former or current partner), but whom has been causing harm to you or your minor child/children.
You can access the online applications for a PFA or PFS by clicking here to visit the Kansas Judicial Council website. You can also access these forms at the Clerk’s Office at the district courthouse in your county.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or confused about this paperwork and you may have questions about which protection order fits your situation best. While not able to give legal advice, Advocates at The CARE Center are available to provide support and assistance with protection orders and answer questions about the process. To contact an Advocate please call our 24/7 Support Hotline at 785-843-8985.
Can I make a report at my school, college, or university?
Yes. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and it offers protections for female, male, and gender non-conforming students, faculty, and staff who have experienced sexual violence. Each school, college, and university has its own reporting process and campus-specific services.
Are The CARE Center Advocates mandated reporters?
While our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, our Counseling staff are mandated reporters. This is typical of licensed mental health professionals and is always discussed within the first meeting. It is important to note that while our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, there are certain circumstances in which we may feel the need to make a report. This is always communicated before a report of any kind is made.
