Victim Assistance Unit

10/13/2026

In 2025, the Platte County Victim Assistance Unit had approximately 22% of its domestic violence cases also include child abuse or negligence. Safety of children is not just physical; it is also emotional and psychological. Even if children do not see violence, it could have a significant emotional impact on them as they imagine or think about what happened.

☎ Nebraska Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 800-652-1999

10/07/2026

We are excited to be part of the Center for Survivors Purple Pumpkin Project again this year!

The Purple Pumpkin Project is designed to spread awareness throughout our community that domestic violence is not tolerated, and we stand together with survivors. 💜

Thank you, Center for Survivors, for all you do for people in our community!

10/01/2026

This October we strive to provide education and awareness surrounding domestic violence.

From July 2022 through December of 2025 there were a total of 89 domestic abuse related deaths in Nebraska. These deaths included homicide, murder-su***de, and victim su***de. This is an alarming fact and together we can make a difference.

Please reach out if you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence.

Help is available:
• Our office – 402-563-4971 or 402-563-4981
• Center for Survivors Hotline – 800-788-1325
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233

*Statistics provided from the Nebraska Domestic Abuse Death Review Team’s 2026 Annual Report.*

07/16/2026

Join us for National Night Out August 4th!

🚓🎉 Join us for National Night Out with the Columbus Police Department!

📅 Tuesday - August 4th, 2026
📍 Frankfort Square

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of community fun!

National Night Out is a great opportunity to connect with your local law enforcement officers, strengthen police-community partnerships, and enjoy a fun evening with your neighbors.

We look forward to seeing you there! For questions, send us a direct message or email us at [email protected].

06/15/2026

☎ Nebraska Adult Protective Services 800-652-1999

06/09/2026

Human trafficking can happen to anyone, just as anyone can become the victim of a crime.

🚩A common myth about human trafficking is that it's usually a violent crime involving kidnapping or otherwise physically forcing someone into a situation. In reality, most traffickers use psychological means such as manipulating or threatening victims.

🚩Another myth is that traffickers target victims they don’t know. In reality, many people are trafficked by family members or partners.

If you see something, please call the Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline. 📞⬇️

05/22/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we want to remind everyone of the resources available. It is okay to ask for help.

05/01/2026

Please help me congratulate one of our very own, Erika Pflepsen on her ✨Behind the Scenes Award✨ she received last night from the Center for Survivors.

Erika has been with the Victim Assistance Unit since 2023 and throughout the years has continuously fought for justice, dignity, and healing for every person she works with. Sometimes working in a trauma exposed field, we see and hear things that are unimageable to most. Erika comes to work every day dedicated to helping victims of any crime. It could be domestic violence, a robbery, car accident, or a sexual assault to name a few and she stands ready to help with whatever the victim needs. She is always ready to openly listen to concerns and advocate for the victim throughout the criminal justice process. Her unwavering compassion, commitment, determination, and kindness is outstanding.

Some people Erika has served in our program have said, "Erika really cared about how I was feeling, and I always knew she had my back." One said, "Erika was so helpful and always went out of her way for us. The care she provided was over the top." Another stated, "I always felt secure and safe because Erika always went through every detail and checked on us constantly. She is amazing."

Congratulations on this well-deserved award Erika! Thank you for all you do for Platte County! 👏

04/29/2026

To support survivors in our community and worldwide, today we wear jeans. Wearing jeans this Denim Day is a visible reminder that the Platte County Attorney Office's stands against sexual violence.👖💙

04/29/2026

Wear Jeans. 👖
Support Survivors. ❤️
Raise Awareness. ✨

The Denim Day campaign began after an Italian Supreme Court overturned a r**e conviction arguing that because the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the perpetrator remove them, therefore, implying consent. In response to the ruling, women in the Italian Parliament wore jeans to stand in solidarity with the victim. Our advocates aim to educate and raise awareness during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, combat victim blaming, and support survivors.