Educational campaign, grants help raise awareness of domestic violence and assist victims
November 20, 2008 -- At a news conference today, Attorney General Steve Six announced his new Domestic Violence Shelter Improvement Program. The project encourages businesses and corporations to support domestic violence shelters across the state through monetary or in-kind contributions.
Knowing that Kansas shelters are in need, Six is reaching out to companies encouraging them to support domestic violence shelter programs across the state. Wal-Mart accepted his request and contributed $15,000 for shelter renovations in three Kansas communities.
"It's important that big companies in Kansas follow Wal-Mart's example and help support the communities they do business in," Six said. "By donating funds to our new shelter improvement project, companies can improve resources available to victims of domestic abuse in their communities."
Through the new partnership with the Wal-Mart Foundation, Six hopes to increase domestic violence intervention and prevention efforts in Kansas. Through a grant program sponsored by Wal-Mart, three Kansas domestic violence shelters will be able to improve their facilities. In addition, Six and Wal-Mart will provide educational messages in Wal-Mart stores to prevent domestic abuse.
"Domestic violence continues to hurt Kansas communities," Six said. "Through partnerships with corporations like Wal-Mart, we can improve domestic violence resources in our state and educate the public about the dangerous problem of domestic abuse. I am pleased that Wal-Mart stepped up to the plate to support this important program."
The following programs each received a check at a ceremony in Topeka for critical shelter improvements:
- Domestic Violence Emergency Services, Atchison, $4,000
- Family Crisis Center, Inc., Great Bend, $6,000
- The Crisis Center, Inc., Manhattan, $5,000
The partnership with Wal-Mart also includes a prevention and outreach component. Posters will be displayed in Wal-Mart stores in 10 Kansas communities to increase awareness of domestic abuse. The posters contain messages about how to seek help and prevent domestic violence. The communities chosen to participate in the pilot outreach program are: Hays, Dodge City, Emporia, Salina, Manhattan, Atchison, El Dorado, Pittsburg, Great Bend and Hutchinson.
"We are honored to play a role in bringing this program to citizens across Kansas," said Angie Stoner, Wal-Mart Senior Manager of Public Affairs and Government Relations. "We're proud to help be part of the solution to the problem of domestic violence and feel that this program is a great start to help reduce the tragic toll this quiet villain plays in the health of Kansans."
In addition to the new partnership with Wal-Mart, Six's Domestic Violence Unit has trained more than 3,000 law enforcement officers and prosecutors across Kansas. The Victim Services Division is also working with shelters and advocates in communities to make sure victims services are of the highest quality.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call your local law enforcement office or contact the state hotline at 1-888-END-ABUSE.
If your company or place of employment would like more information about the Attorney General's Domestic Violence Shelter Improvement Program, please contact Dorthy Stucky Halley in the Attorney General's Office at 1(800) 828-9745.