Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011

Topeka city leaders have repealed a local law against domestic violence under a controversial plan sparked by budget concerns.

The city council and mayor approved the repeal, saying such cases are better handled by county or state courts.

The vote comes less than a month after the prosecutor in Shawnee
County decided to stop pursuing domestic battery cases and other
misdemeanors, citing deep cuts to his budget.

Topeka, which is Shawnee County's largest city, responded by proposing to repeal its domestic violence ordinance so it wouldn't be forced to pick up the bill for those cases.

Advocates for domestic abuse victims were outraged, saying the
plans amounted to austerity run amok. But the city's interim
manager says Topeka is now in a better position to negotiate.