Salina police urge support of victims of sexual assault

SALINA, Kan. (KWCH) - Law enforcement in Salina want to reassure victims of sexual assault that they are here to help. It comes after Salina police arrested Barry Fritz, a PE teacher at the Canton-Galva school district. He faces two counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Salina police say his arrest stems from an incident back in November when the Salina Regional Health Center called an officer to investigate the inappropriate sexual activity of a minor.

While each case is unique, many incidents of sexual assault can be traumatizing to victims.

“Even saying it out loud can be very difficult,” said Ericka Purcell, a clinical manager with the Child Advocacy Center.

Reporting their experience to law enforcement can be overwhelming, and just as big of a challenge.

Sgt. Kyle Tonniges with Salina Police Department’s Detective Unit said this is why, most times, victims don’t have to contact police by themselves.

“There’s a lot of agencies out there, mandatory reporters, therapists, medical professionals, teachers, counselors. The victim will disclose to them a lot of times what occurred, and because they’re mandatory reporters, they’ll either contact DCF or law enforcement. At that point, we’ll get involved with our investigation,” Tonniges said.

He said oftentimes, victims will only need to have one interview with the police. Advocates for survivors can take it from there. The same is true in court trials.

That is where agencies like the Child Advocacy Center in Wichita come in.

“We have advocates that work to provide wrap-around support, make referrals to the community. We also have in-house therapy services,” said Purcell.

Both child advocates and police want to remind victims that if they’ve experienced any kind of sexual abuse, help is available.

“In many cases, it may make other victims feeling comfortable coming forward to make their reports as well,” said Purcell. “Children don’t lie about these kinds of things,” said Purcell.

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