As part of the community event for the Topeka Community Conversation on Poverty, a session took place to talk about the relations of poverty and domestic violence.

The group covered the importance of breaking the stereotypes of age and relation, working to be able to have the resources to help a person out of a situation of violence and getting the medications to patients that need them after an abuser has harmed them.

Ajay Scipio, from the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, led the group discussion, and challenged the group to come up with ideas to both create resources and set goals for helping people that live in situations where domestic violence occurs.

When asked what the public should know about this issue, Ajay Scipio said, “Domestic violence is genderless, ageless and not bound by specific relationships. We need to break the stereotypes.”

The goals that were suggested included collaboration and networking of resources with other companies in the community, educating the public and destroying the stigma and stereotypes that come with domestic abuse and getting resources to clients effectively.

A resource that was mentioned the most desired to be seen was mental health and medication help to people that are unable to afford continued treatment. Poverty-stricken people may not be able to afford health insurance, or are left homeless after they have been given help. .

The conclusion was to have the resources available, listen well to people that are being affected, don’t always jump to the conclusion you can help someone out immediately and break the stereotypes.