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Christy’s Story

October 13, 2022By Blog, Stories
"I felt like there wasn’t a way out." Nine years ago, I was being physically, sexually, and psychologically abused. I felt like there wasn’t a way out.   I never thought I would experience domestic violence. I remember saying, “I dare someone to put their hands on me,” and I…
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LUNAFEST Lexington

October 6, 2022By Blog
“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…
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Purple Thursday – It’s About Time

October 3, 2022By Blog
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…
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Losing a Loved One to Intimate Partner Abuse

August 25, 2022By Blog, Services
If you’re reading this and have lost someone to intimate partner abuse, we’re so sorry for your loss.   Friends and families of domestic homicide victims often self-blame and sometimes experience survivor’s guilt. Darlene Thomas, our executive director, has supported countless friends and family through grief.   “It’s normal for families to…
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Nonprofit Impact Award

August 11, 2022By Blog
Commerce Lexington has awarded our organization the Salute to Small Business Nonprofit Impact Award. Commerce Lexington’s annual Salute to Small Business presented by Forcht Bank recognizes the area’s best small businesses and one exceptional nonprofit organization. The Nonprofit Impact Award category honors services, fundraising, and inspiration to maximize output in the…
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A Healing Canopy of Trees

August 8, 2022By Blog
“I have really sweet kid memories of laying down under a tree and looking up at the sky,” says Ryan Koch, residential program manager. Many trees on the shelter property were planted about ten years ago with the support of a Plant the Planet grant from Kentucky Utilities. "I like…
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Empowered by Plants

August 1, 2022By Blog, Stories
The University of Kentucky Center for Research on Violence Against Women recently completed a multi-year study of the farm’s effectiveness. “Our mission is research,” shares Diane Follingstad, Ph.D. “If you have been a victim of violence as a woman, we would like to know the best ways to help you…
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Blog

Protect Family Pets

July 26, 2022By Blog
Amendments to Kentucky laws related to domestic and personal orders of protection now include pets. Coercion, control, or revenge directed against a pet to control a spouse or dating partner is considered domestic violence. Far too often, the most difficult step for victims of intimate partner abuse is leaving parts…
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Michelle's story bloom cover21 Years

Michelle’s Story

July 11, 2022By 21 Years, Blog, Stories
"He would give me a lot of attention, something I wasn't used to." We met in 2009, but we didn’t really start dating until the beginning of the following year. It was a bunch of love bombing at first. Then his drinking started coming out and verbal, mental, and emotional…
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Remarks on Recent Supreme Court Decision

June 25, 2022By Blog
To the greatest extent allowed by law, we will continue to advocate for the personal decisions survivors choose while escaping intimate partner abuse and establishing long-term safety from physical, emotional, and economic harm. ZeroV, Kentucky's statewide coalition of domestic violence programs, has issued this statement on the recent Supreme Court decision…
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