Businesses to address domestic violence through partnership with Topeka mayor’s task force

Local businesses and the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment are partnering with the Mayor’s Task Force Against Domestic Violence to reach more survivors in the workplace.

The task force’s corporate engagement subcommittee will support businesses in reaching survivors through education, outreach and services.

Sixteen years ago, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas established Shield Against Violent Environments, or SAVE, said Marlou Wegener, manager of community relations.

“We recognize the impact that domestic violence has on the workplace and that while at work, that may be the only time the survivor feels safe or has the opportunity to take action,” she said. The mayor’s task force on domestic violence launched in March.

Mayor Michelle De La Isla said the group has been engaged in identifying root causes of domestic violence and participating in the family peace initiative, which helps perpetrators understand their behavior.