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In 2023, 331 adults and children received nonresidential supportive services related to transportation, housing advocacy, legal support, therapy and more, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Kentucky determined to support its domestic violence shelters amid federal cuts

As federal Victims of Crime Act funding continues to impact Kentucky's domestic violence shelters, advocates say they are applauding lawmakers …

Kentucky's First Lady Britainy Beshear and others speak at the kick-off event for Shop and Share. According to ZeroV, 34% of Kentucky women and 14% of Kentucky men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking. (Angela Conway)

One-day grocery donation drive helps survivors of domestic violence

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 …

State data show in Kentucky, more than 45% of women and around 35% of men have experienced intimate partner violence. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY domestic violence data project aims to improve services

An effort is underway in Kentucky to better collect and analyze domestic violence data, with the goal of improving the lives of survivors and their …

Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky's emergency shelter staff. (Jesse Jones)

KY domestic violence programs struggle to meet demand

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and state data show in Kentucky, more than 45% and around 35% of men have experienced intimate …

Research suggests that non-parental child care, particularly center-based care, may attenuate the negative influences of some forms of intimate-partner violence on young children's behavioral outcomes. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Lack of Child-Care Options Impacts KY Domestic-Violence Survivors

Kentucky's child-care crisis could get worse when federal assistance for child-care centers runs out, and that could increase barriers for survivors …

Rates of child abuse and neglect are five times higher for children in families with low socioeconomic status, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Trust Your Gut, Know the Signs to Spot, Prevent Child Abuse

Child abuse cases in the state dropped between 2019 and 2020, but Kentucky still ranks fifth among states for incidents of child maltreatment…

About one in four women and nearly one in 10 men have experienced physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Law Aims to Improve Domestic-Violence Homicide Tracking

Kentucky will soon begin developing a coordinated, statewide system for reporting crimes related to intimate-partner violence. Gov. Andy Beshear's …

More than 600,000 children received a child protective services investigation response or alternative response nationwide in 2020, according to the Department of Health and Human Services Child Maltreatment Report. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Law Clarifies Definition of Child Abuse

Gov. Andy Beshear has signed legislation clarifying the definition of child abuse and neglect, and allowing the state to move faster on suspected …

School-aged children can develop a host of problems from witnessing domestic violence, including psychosomatic complaints and poor school performance, and also are more likely to experience guilt and shame about the abuse, according to research published in the American Family Physician. (Adobe Stock)

KY Bill Would Expand Jobless Benefits to Those Fleeing Domestic Violence

Kentucky lawmakers are considering a bill to expand eligibility for unemployment benefits to victims of domestic violence. House Bill 83 would …

Tornado damage in western Kentucky continues to affect the operations of domestic-violence shelters in the region. (Tori Henninger)

Experts: Natural Disasters Increase Risk of Domestic Violence, Abuse

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - Shelters in western Kentucky face ongoing challenges helping domestic-violence survivors as communities continue to clean up …

As many as one in four U.S. women and one in nine men are domestic violence victims, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

Statewide Survey Seeks Input from KY Domestic Violence Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence has launched a statewide survey for Domestic Violence Awareness Month to better …

One in four women and one in 10 men in the United States experience intimate-partner violence. (Adobe Stock)

KY Bill Would Allow Domestic-Violence Survivors to Claim Unemployment

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky lawmakers and state advocates want to expand the state's unemployment system to include survivors of domestic violence…

Early life trauma can undermine learning and is linked to a range of school-related problems. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Launch New Statewide Effort to Reduce KY Childhood Adversity

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A new initiative called Bloom Kentucky is focused on statewide policy change to prevent and mitigate the impact of childhood …

Data from the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that 86% of child sexual abuse goes unreported. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY Senate Panel Advances Bill Supporting Child Sex-Abuse Victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A bill that would extend the statute of limitations for misdemeanor sex offenses involving minors from five to ten years after …

Una nueva coalici�n en Kentucky busca mejorar la salud de ni�as y ni�os en los ambientes escolares. (Adobe Stock)

Nueva Coalición busca promover la Información sobre el Trauma en la Escuelas

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Una nueva coalición estatal quiere que las escuelas y las comunidades se enfoquen en la educación y que cuiden a los …

Kentucky leads the nation in cases of child abuse and neglect, according to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)

KY Child Welfare System “Pushed to the Brink”

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The state's child welfare system is struggling to keep pace with unprecedented levels of mental distress among families, according …

According to federal data, a parent is the perpetrator in nearly 80% of substantiated cases of child maltreatment nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

KY Experts Warn Child Abuse Could Spike Amid Economic Uncertainty

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and experts say home isolation, job loss and economic uncertainty all increase the …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four women will experience physical violence from an intimate partner at some point during her lifetime. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Pandemic Won't Deter KY Domestic Violence Shelters

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The state's 15 domestic-violence shelters say they have no plans to close their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to …

Microloans, matched savings accounts and emergency funds all can help empower women financially after they've left abusive relationships. (Adobe Stock)

Microloans Set KY Women on Paths to Financial Independence

FRANKFORT, Ky. – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one survivor in Fayette County recalls how a microloan helped her get back …

Kentucky's rate of child abuse is more than twice the national average, according to data from the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)

Trainings Aim to Educate Kentuckians on Early Signs of Child Abuse

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Training sessions on how to recognize early signs of child abuse will be held this week in Louisville and Lexington. The …

Domestic violence shelters across Kentucky are offering financial education classes. (Adobe Stock)

Allstate Agents Offer Financial-Education Classes to KY Domestic-Violence Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Allstate insurance agents are helping domestic violence survivors with financial literacy by teaching financial education …

Student loans, medical debt and car payments are some of the reasons Kentuckians are feeling financially pinched. (Adobe stock)

Survey Finds Student Loans #1 Cause of Financial Hardship for Kentuckians

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A new survey of nearly 400 Kentuckians finds that student loans are the number one cause of financial hardship for respondents…

Experts say talking to your child about their bodies, body safety, and personal boundaries is key to keeping them safe from abuse. (@hjohan1213/Twenty20)

Kentucky Urged to "Face It," Reduce High Child-Abuse Numbers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Kentucky ranks number one in the country for cases of child abuse…

A new $500,000 federal grant will help more domestic violence victims in Kentucky afford safe housing. (@TatianaMara/Twenty20)

Grant Helps Domestic-Violence Survivors Counter Financial Abuse

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A shelter in Bowling Green will be able to help more women fleeing abusive relationships afford safe housing, thanks to a …

Food and other donations from Kentuckians are helping domestic-violence shelters use their resources to fill the gaps in other services to help survivors. (KCADV)

Kentuckians Open Hearts, Wallets to Help Abuse Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Domestic-violence shelters throughout the Commonwealth have their hands full this month - but for a good reason. They're busy …

Eileen Rektenwald, who heads the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, speaks at The Ending Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Conference in Lexington. (KCADV)

KY Lawmakers Honored for Protecting Survivors of Violence

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky advocates for sexual and domestic assault survivors are gathering in Lexington to reflect on their successes of the …

Traumatic events experienced by children can haunt people as adults. (Free-Photos/Pixabay)

Adverse Childhood Experiences: Changing the Trajectory

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Children exposed to traumatizing events can suffer physically and emotionally as they grow. And a special initiative in …

A lack of financial stability often prevent survivors of domestic violence from leaving an abusive situation. (Pixabay)

Domestic Violence: It Can Take More Than Courage to Leave

FRANKFORT, Ky. – It can take more than courage to leave an abusive situation, as money concerns often prevent survivors of domestic violence …

Victims of domestic violence often leave abusive situations strapped by debt and bad credit. (Pixabay)

KY Abuse Survivors Get Help with "Financial Empowerment"

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Some financial specialists are helping survivors of partner abuse in Kentucky learn the power of financial fitness – and …

Kentucky has the second-highest rate of child abuse and neglect in the nation. (Pixabay)

KY Groups Address Child Abuse Prevention Beyond April

FRANKFORT, Ky. — One abused child is one too many, and one month of the year focused on child abuse awareness just isn't enough for groups in …

Advocates say college campuses should be thinking of disability the way they think of discrimination. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Colleges Not Prepped on Sexual Assault of Students with Disabilities

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Nearly one in three women with disabilities on college campuses has experienced sexual assault, according to a new report from …

Victims of human trafficking often need housing, therapy, legal and medical services on their road to recovery. (kstus16/Flickr)

Modern Slavery Occurs Every Day in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Human trafficking is considered the fastest growing crime, and advocates in Kentucky say they are more committed than ever to …

Three Kentucky state legislators are recipients of the

Three KY Lawmakers Deemed "Champions for Justice"

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Three Kentucky lawmakers are receiving special recognition today. State Rep. Melinda Gibbons Prunty, Sen. Ralph Alvarado and …

An estimated one-in-four women will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime. (Helba Weber/Flickr)

A Purple Purse Challenge to Support Abuse Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A lack of adequate financial resources can make it difficult for survivors of domestic violence to leave an abusive situation…

The Lexington Fair Housing Council and the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence are offering free webinars about the new law. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Landlords Briefed on New Leasing Protections for Domestic-Violence Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Since June 29, new leasing protections have been in place in Kentucky for survivors of domestic, dating and sexual violence…

New Homes Provide Safety, Support for KY Domestic-Violence Survivors

LEXINGTON, Ky. – It's a celebration of support and survival, as two dozen apartments for survivors of domestic violence are unveiled today in …

Kentucky's domestic violence shelters report cuts in government funding as the primary reason survivors seeking help are sometimes turned away. (Pixabay)

Deficits Found in Kentucky's Response to Domestic Violence

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Despite the hard work of agencies and advocates, requests for help are not being heard for some survivors of domestic violence …

Big legislative wins for victims who seek and access protections through Kentucky's network of domestic violence programs, including this one in central Kentucky. (Greg Stotelmyer)

KY Lawmakers Approve Leasing Protections for Domestic Violence Victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A new Kentucky law removes a barrier that victims of domestic violence often face when making the difficult decision to leave …

Securing safe, affordable housing is often the biggest challenge facing victims of domestic violence. A new program seeks to help them overcome that barrier. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Rapid Re-Housing For Domestic-Violence Victims Goes Statewide

FRANKFORT, Ky. – For the first time, a Rapid Re-Housing Program is being taken statewide to help victims of domestic violence. Using a $259,000 …

State Rep. Joni Jenkins has received a Champions for Justice Award for her work on behalf of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. (Greg Stotelmyer)

They are "Champions" to Domestic Violence Victims

LEXINGTON, Ky. – To survivors of intimate partner violence and their advocates, Joni Jenkins and Laura Sudkamp are champions. The two women…

A new report shows states like Kentucky with more permissive gun laws have higher rates of gun violence.(Pixabay)

Report: Kentucky 16th Deadliest State for Gun Violence

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky ranks 16th worst in the nation for gun violence according to a new report, with someone killed with a gun every 15 hours in …

With financial abuse as part of almost all domestic violence cases, Kentucky's network of shelters is replenishing its emergency fund to help survivors regain financial independence. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Replenishing Emergency Fund for Domestic Violence Survivors

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence is counting on a nationwide fundraiser to help refill the emergency fund that …

A trip to the grocery Saturday in Kentucky can help others - those who depend on the state's domestic-violence shelters. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Help Needed for Good Cause: Shop and Share

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Help is needed this coming Saturday across Kentucky for a one-day fundraiser that benefits the state's network of 15 domestic …

Blue-light call boxes dot college campuses, which are now in the Red Zone, the first 10 weeks of a new academic year when a higher rate of sexual assaults occur on campus. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Prevention of Sexual Assaults "Everyone's Responsibility"

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With college classes in full swing and dorms teeming with eager and excited students, there is one unwelcome part of the new …

With the start of school nearing, civic, faith and business groups across Kentucky are sponsoring school supply drives. (Greg Stotelmyer)

They're Driven to Donate School Supplies

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The calendar tells you all you need to know. The start of school is near and store aisles are filled with parents and their …

A new report says transgender people are targeted and mistreated in the U.S. justice system. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Report Finds Transgender People Behind Bars Often Harassed

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Transgender people end up behind bars at a much higher rate than others, and once there they are subjected to harassment…

For more than a decade, the state's network of domestic violence shelters, including this one in Somerset, have banked on the Economic Empowerment Project to help survivors get back on their feet financially. (Bethany House)

Helping Domestic Violence Survivors Become Self-Sufficient

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Those who oversee Kentucky's network of 15 domestic violence shelters say once survivors have made it to a safe haven, the next big …

Dating couples in Kentucky can now seek emergency civil protections from intimate-partner violence. (Greg Stotelmyer)

Helping Schools and Colleges Handle Dating-Partner Violence

LEXINGTON, Ky. – A new Kentucky law extending civil protections from violence to dating couples took effect Jan. 1. Now, the challenge is …

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KY: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault