We need to get word to families in crisis that help is available

The Editorial Advisory Board
·2 min read
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Topeka leaders Mayor Mike Padilla, left, and city manager Stephen Wade say resources are available for families facing domestic violence.
Topeka leaders Mayor Mike Padilla, left, and city manager Stephen Wade say resources are available for families facing domestic violence.
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It’s hard not to see there’s a lot of ugly out there.

People are hurting. Maybe struggling. Maybe it’s just bad luck. It could be the deluge of upsetting and unsettling things we see on the news, in the paper or on social media.

It seems to be everywhere.

We’ve recently reported on some very sad news, including the death of a woman and two young children in a Topeka house fire. The Topeka Capital-Journal reports Kyle J. Tyler, 32, of Holton, was arrested in connection with the fire and charged with four counts of aggravated assault, three counts of first-degree murder in the commission of a felony and two counts of aggravated child endangerment.

Additionally the Capital-Journal reports Raymond Tilton is mourning the loss of his 16-month-old son Jackson Tilton, who died Jan. 8, four days after he was admitted to a hospital with severe brain injuries, according to his father. Dustin J. Kelley Sr. was arrested later and faces charges that include first-degree murder linked to Jackson's death. Kelley was the boyfriend of Sarah Snipes, Jackson’s mother.

We’ve heard about the deadly gun violence over the weekend in California.

These stories are heartbreaking. We don’t want to read them, but we have an obligation to talk about them.

For those of you that may be struggling, we want you to know you are seen and loved. There are people who can and want to help you. Those resources are especially there for victims of domestic violence.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports after Topeka saw four recent domestic homicide deaths, Mayor Mike Padilla on Tuesday encouraged anyone who sees couples and families struggling with domestic problems to let them know help is available.

"We're asking the community — when they have that chance, when they see someone struggling — to offer that opportunity to them, because there are a number of organizations who work together to try to address those problems," he said.

Potential sources of help for those with domestic concerns include the Northeast Kansas YWCA's Center for Safety and Empowerment hotline at 888-822-2983 and the Kansas Crisis Hotline at 888-363-2287. If you’re in immediate danger, dial 911. Please ask for help. Please seek treatment.

Violence is never the answer. Be kind to one another. Help each other out if you can.

Stay safe, readers, and if you see something, ask, “How can I help?”

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Help available in the Topeka area for families in crisis