Task Force formed to focus on improving community responses to domestic violenceMayor Michelle De La Isla announced the formation of the “Corporate Engagement Subcommittee” for the Mayor’s Task Force Against Domestic Violence.

The Task Force is focused on improving community responses to domestic violence by bringing together community partnerships to improve policies and practices that centralize victim safety and offender accountability.

The Corporate Engagement Subcommittee will be chaired by Marlou Wegener, manager of community relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.  BCBSKS has been a leader in developing and implementing policy and support programs for its employees through its Shield Against Violent Environments (SAVE) initiative, and has worked with other corporations to do the same.

The new subcommittee is kicking off their efforts at a press conference on Tuesday, October 9th at 10:00 a.m. in the dining room of YWCA Northeast Kansas as a way to recognize that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“The corporate community has a significant role to play in supporting employees who are experiencing domestic violence,” Mayor De La Isla said.  “We are extremely excited to partner with BCBSKS to help local corporate organizations raise awareness, provide education and develop programs to provide safe and supportive environments for their employees.”

The Mayor’s Task Force was formed in March 2018.  The Task Force is made up of representatives across the criminal justice system as well as community service agencies including the Topeka Police Department, Shawnee County Sherriff’s Office, YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office, Shawnee County Court Services, local Batterers Intervention Programs, Washburn University, Department of Children and Families, Valeo Behavioral Health, and Stormont Vail Hospital.

For information about the YWCA’s 2018 Week Without Violence events, visitwww.ywcaneks.org.