FRANKFORT, KY. - The death of 29-year-old Amanda Ross and subsequent murder charges filed against her ex-fiance and former state lawmaker Steve Nunn has brought new focus to the plight of domestic violence victims. Now, a program that helps those victims change their surroundings and their lives is showing that a fresh start is possible.
Sharon Hays says she was abused by her husband and, like many in her situation, found it difficult to ask for help.
"I wasn't black and blue all the time and I did not fit what, in my mind, was the stereotypical picture of an abused spouse."
With more than a little nudging from friends, Hays found the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association (KDVA), got the counseling and confidence she needed, and, with her two children, left her husband two years ago. She's been enrolled in the group's Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which offers financial education and a two-to-one match of any money participants are able to save.
Mary O'Doherty, KDVA's economic empowerment project director, says 164 survivors are currently in the IDA program and, for those who take full advantage, it can be a life-changer.
"If somebody maximizes the program, they will finish with six thousand dollars; two thousand of their own savings and four thousand in matching funds. In Kentucky, six thousand dollars can be a down-payment on a home."
Hays now has a new place to live and is enrolled in college; all because of a very difficult decision to make a change.
"That was not who I had ever been, that was not who I wanted to be. They helped me to see that it's okay to have some assistance because everybody needs help sometimes."
Funding for KDVA comes from Washington, the Kentucky Housing Corporation and from private interests, such as a recent $15,000 donation from the Verizon Foundation.
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More than 100 Ohio advocates gathered this week to speak with lawmakers about policies affecting survivors of intimate-partner violence, including a bill which would make it a crime to place a tracking device on another person's property without their knowledge.
Sen. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, the Senate Democratic leader sponsored the bill and explained the measure would make installing devices such as Apple AirTags for the purpose of stalking or tracking an individual without consent a first-degree misdemeanor.
"There's nothing in the law right now in Ohio, in the stalking part of the code anywhere, that really addresses using these tracking devices, because they're new technology," Antonio explained.
At least 26 states and the District of Columbia have already passed laws protecting privacy concerns raised by tracking technology, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Mary O'Doherty, executive director of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network, said it is important legislators hear directly from advocates who work with survivors every day. She pointed to House Bill 111, which recently passed the House and is now being considered by Senate lawmakers. The bill would increase the sentencing range for third-degree felony domestic violence offenses.
"We support that bill because we believe it will increase offender accountability and help victims be more safe," O'Doherty emphasized.
Last year, 112 Ohioans died because of domestic violence, according to the Ohio Domestic Violence Network's fatalities report.
Disclosure: The Ohio Domestic Violence Network contributes to our fund for reporting on Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
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February is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and young people often find it hard to navigate experiences of harm.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2021, nearly 16% of Idaho youth surveyed said they had experienced sexual violence, higher than the national average of 11%.
D Dagondon Tiegs, bilingual social change associate for the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, said sexual violence is the result of imbalances in power.
"The tools that we have to prevent sexual violence within our communities is promoting communities that are welcoming of everyone, where everyone has what they need to be able to participate in their community, like school," Tiegs outlined. "So that they're not targeted and the power imbalance is mitigated."
Tiegs pointed out there are domestic and sexual violence programs across the state but more are needed, especially in rural communities. They also noted members of LGBTQIA+ communities and people of color are more likely to experience violence.
The rate of teen dating violence is likely much higher. Tiegs emphasized one of the biggest issues, especially when it comes to reporting, is young people don't feel heard.
"Young people are not likely to tell a trusted adult when they experience sexual violence," Tiegs explained. "They're more likely to tell a peer because adults dismiss the kind of dating violence that is happening with young people."
For someone who has experienced such of trauma, Tiegs stressed it is important to ask what they need and help the person reestablish their agency. They also added healing takes time.
"It's easy for us to be supportive at the beginning, but a consistent, ongoing supportive community and people who care about them because sexual violence and dating violence requires a long time to heal from," Tiegs concluded.
Disclosure: The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence contributes to our fund for reporting on Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault, Early Childhood Education, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
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As Kentuckians prepare for the Super Bowl this weekend, they can also help survivors of domestic violence.
At "Shop and Share," a one-day event this Saturday at Kroger, Food City and other regional grocers statewide, residents can shop for what they need and share a purchased item with their local domestic violence shelter.
Angela Yannelli, chief executive officer of ZeroV, explained while the primary focus is on safety, the group's 15 member domestic violence programs also promote survivor empowerment. She said donations of such essential items as toothbrushes and nonperishable foods are essential on the journey toward well-being and healing.
"Donations of things like cake mix, icing and decorations, for birthdays and other celebrations, bring joy into the lives of survivors who may not have been celebrated in many years, or for whom peace and joy may only come in glimpses," Yannelli observed.
Shoppers can donate at participating stores between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., although times vary by location. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering can visit zerov.org/shopandshare to find the shopping lists and contact information for their local program.
Regional shelters in the Commonwealth have provided safe havens and resources for more than 10,000 women and 6,000 children.
Yannelli emphasized donations of small items have added up to make a huge difference.
"When you think about 'Shop and Share' collectively, it's raised more than $5 million since 2008," Yannelli pointed out. "And made a positive impact in the lives of thousands of survivors and their children."
Yannelli noted Shop and Share also offers parents an opportunity to talk with their adolescents about healthy relationships this month, for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
Disclosure: ZeroV contributes to our fund for reporting on Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault, Gun Violence Prevention, Housing/Homelessness, and Women's Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest,
click here.
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