Author Archives: GreenHouse17 Staff

They say time heals all wounds. My 30 years as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence tell a different story. 

National Domestic Violence Month, recognized annually in October, has begun while Kentucky battles devastating rates of domestic violence homicide. This year’s first domestic violence homicide happened a week into January. Five murders by abusive partners were reported during one weekend the following month.

Recent headlines confirm the startling rate of homicide continues. Even before lockdowns, three women in the U.S. were murdered by an intimate partner daily. A report released by the Council on Criminal Justice found that domestic violence increased 8.1% during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic response. Historically marginalized groups saw more substantial increases.

Kentucky is not alone in this challenge. Texas, Missouri, and other states face unprecedented domestic homicides. Increased stress, unemployment, and substance use are often blamed for the violence. Time will likely reveal a storm of existing social factors and pandemic causes.

The more pressing question remains. How do we protect adults and children at risk for lethal violence today?

Recent legislative improvements will help. Changes to Kentucky’s strangulation laws aim to hold abusers accountable, and fair housing protections improve the rental rights of domestic violence victims. An act signed by Governor Beshear this April launched a coordinated statewide system for tracking homicides related to domestic violence.

“The films are unlike any other you can see throughout the year.” 

LUNAFEST Lexington is back in person this year at the historic Kentucky Theatre. This evening of short films promotes women and gender nonconforming storytellers from around the world, while raising funds to support our mission.  

Three local women – Geni Osborn, Helue Shalash, and Pam Holbrook – came together more than a decade ago with the goal of organizing an event to support survivors of intimate partner abuse. 

Their efforts brought the traveling film festival to our region, and in the years since, the event has raised more than $100,000 to support services.  

“We all face challenges as we walk through life – some are more difficult to overcome than others,” shares Geni. “LUNAFEST is a great opportunity to support the individuals in our community as they chart a new, healthier path for themselves and their families.”  

This year’s event features eight short films, each less than 10 minutes long. The stories range from an animated poem about coping with isolation during the pandemic to a 13-year-old girl building a mobile app to help kids stay connected to their incarcerated parents.  

Brought to you by LUNA, maker of the whole-nutrition bar for women. 

It’s about time to end domestic violence. 

October 20 is Purple Thursday, an annual day to show support for survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  

The color purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor, and dedication to ending violence. It’s believed the color’s connection to our mission might have begun during women’s suffrage.  

In 1978, thousands of advocates for women’s equal rights wore purple when they marched in Washington, D.C. Today the color honors this history, survivors of abuse, and those lives that have been ended too early.  

Why is Purple Thursday Important?

Purple Thursday is important to our mission because raising awareness is an essential part of working to end the cycle of abuse. 

It’s time to wear purple shirts, hats, nail polish, ties, and more! It’s time to identify yourself as an advocate and raise awareness. It’s time to let survivors know there’s a large community here to support their path to safety.