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Podcasts About Intimate Partner Abuse

December 4, 2023By

Choosing to read, watch, and listen to stories is one way you can help end intimate partner abuse. 

Stories help us to process, sympathize, and bond in shared experiences. Although some popular stories perpetuate myths and outdated assumptions, so many offer insight to understanding. We’ve compiled a list of podcasts for you to listen to.

It’s Time

The “It’s Time” awareness campaign started a podcast, It’s Time to Talk, hosted by Stephanie Theakston, program coordinator of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition (DSVPC), and Diane Fleet, associate director of our organization and chair of DSVPC.    

They recently released a recap episode so you can catch up here. 

When Dating Hurts

This podcast is hosted by Bill Mitchell whose daughter Kristin was murdered by her boyfriend. He interviews survivors, family members of victims, and professionals working in domestic violence.  

Listen here. 

Death, Sex & Money

A recent episode features Adonis Williams, a New York City mover who helps survivors of intimate partner abuse.  

“Adonis decided he wanted to help more victims of domestic violence move out of unsafe situations— a service he still provides today,” host Anna Sale. 

Listen here. 

I’m a Survivor

Host Misty Chaviers is a survivor and shares her personal story, as well as featuring other survivor stories and professionals. Her podcast was a finalist for the 2023 Digital Women Awards. 

Listen here. 

Unmasking the Abuser

Hosted by Dr. Dina McMillan, this podcast shares specific manipulation tactics of abusers. 

Listen here. 

Dr. McMillan has also done a TEDx Talk called Unmasking the abuser where she discusses her conversations with abusers. 

Watch here. 

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This is a collection of books, movies, songs, and TikToks for you to consider and contemplate.

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grace churchBlog

Children’s Safe Exchange and Visitation Expansion

November 13, 2023By

Children’s safe exchange and visitation services reduce risks for violence while encouraging safety, healing, and healthy parent-child connection.

Community members gathered on November 10th to support the launch of children’s safe exchange and visitation services for residents of Boyle, Garrard, Lincoln, and Mercer counties. Grace Church provides space for services in the children’s wing of their facility in Danville.  

“As a church, we are committed to helping the families and children of our community flourish,” says Director of Ministries Kevin Dilbeck. “We are excited to open some of our space to help meet this need.” 

More than 400 petitions for orders of protection are filed in the region each year. Escalation of violence is common when victims separate from abusive partners, and many survivors and their children risk harm while fulfilling custody agreements.  

When visitation between child(ren) and the non-custodial parent/guardian must be supervised, for example by court order, a specially trained monitor is present to document observations during the visitation. Safe exchanges oversee the transition of child(ren) between parents/ guardians if off-site visitation is allowed. 

No contact occurs between custodial and non-custodial parties during visitations or exchanges. Up to 30 weekly visitations and exchanges will be facilitated when the program reaches operational capacity.  

Shannon Weer coordinates the newest location. Shannon is a former professor in the criminal justice department at Eastern Kentucky University, where she taught domestic violence issues. 

“We provide a space for families where children are kept safe,” Shannon says. 

We commit to prioritizing the safety of children and adults; honoring the nature, dynamics, and impact of intimate partner abuse; and treating participants with fairness and respect. 

Learn more about the program, sign up, and review the FAQs here.

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Alpha Chi Omega Supports Survivors

November 6, 2023By

Educating campus communities is essential to ending intimate partner abuse. 

Ending intimate partner abuse is the national philanthropic focus of Alpha Chi Omega, and members of the University of Kentucky chapter embrace the mission with passion and creativity.  

Educating campus communities is essential to ending intimate partner abuse. Most people report experiencing abuse for the first time between the ages of 18 and 24.  

Katie Smith, Vice President of Philanthropy says, “Alpha Chi Omega works to spread awareness about domestic violence through various fundraising and informative initiatives. We are diligent in our efforts to cultivate a safe and supportive environment within our chapter and on our campus.” 

One of their annual tabling events is ‘Donut Let Love Hurt’ during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, where they pass out information, have students share their green flags in relationships, and of course, donuts.  

The UK chapter of Alpha Chi started in 2016 and their annual fundraising events, Paint Wars and the Derby for Domestic Violence Awareness Gala, have already raised over $100,000 for our mission. 

They also volunteer for our annual Shop & Share event where they take over the Euclid Kroger location, securing many donations for our emergency shelter. 

We are so grateful for Alpha Chi and look forward to many more years of collaboration in creating a safer, more aware, and compassionate community for all. 

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Speak My Name

October 25, 2023By

Today we ask for you to listen as we speak these names. Each name is a life taken by domestic homicide related to intimate partner abuse in Kentucky from September 2022 – August 2023. We speak these names to remember the victims and honor their memory for the children, family, and friends who loved them.

Renee Dorton-Pack, 36
Kierrea Stone-Gonzalez, 23
Robert Penn, 56
Talina Henderson, 47
Stephanie Jackson, 50
Njoki “Mary” Muchemi Stanton, 49
Felicia Peacock, 50
Amberly Harris, 32
Tammy Thorpe, 39
Female, Under 18
Ben-Neisha Sims, 24
Jamie Fowler, 51
Natacha Turner, 35
Rachel Tucker, 27
Tonya Collinsworth, 45
Shelby McIntyre, 42
Amanda Miller-Harrison, 37
Angel Walker, 35
Gaymee Paw, 16
Ashley M. Henning, 37
Ashley Yates, 35
Makayla Walker, 24
Martha Perez-Silva, 21

Speak My Name is an annual project of ZeroV, Kentucky’s state coalition of domestic violence programs. Fifteen of the names spoken were killed by gun violence.

As of July 2023, per KRS 209A.122, the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet has produced the first annual DV Data Report. This anonymized data about intimate partner homicides for the calendar year 2022, as reported by KSP and the Administrative Office of the Courts.

ZeroV will continue the tradition of humanizing and honoring the memory of those Kentuckians who lost their lives to a partner or ex-partner through this less formal Speak My Name list. ZeroV attempts to track domestic violence-related homicides in Kentucky through various sources such as reports from our member programs, news articles, and internet searches.

It is a far from perfect method. Please be aware that most reports come at the beginning of the law enforcement/court process, at which point an individual has been charged with homicide. We make no representation of the outcome of these cases or whether the charged individual is found guilty of criminal activity.

24-HOUR HOTLINE 800.544.2022

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Fall Merch & Products

October 16, 2023By

Fall has arrived, bringing cooler weather, and we have an exciting collection of merch and Handmade by Survivors products to share with you!

Click a picture for more information!

We have four different types of hats! The waffle beanie is a staff favorite.

Shop Hats

Show your support for survivors in this long-sleeve tee!

Shop Long Sleeve Tees

Stay warm with our comfortable logo sweatshirt and hoodie!

Shop Sweatshirts

Shop by scent – browse our cinnamon Handmade by Survivors products.

Shop Cinnamon Products

Shop our collection of Awaken Joy Handmade by Survivors products with a blend of peppermint and eucalyptus.

Shop Awaken Joy

Shop by scent – browse our herbal Handmade by Survivors products.

Shop Herbal Products

Read more about Handmade by Survivors 💜

The process of making products encourages healing and economic opportunity in a safe and caring environment.

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Community Care

October 9, 2023By

Although the work to end intimate partner abuse always will be difficult, safer tomorrows are possible in a community that cares about survivors.

We’re grateful to be the charitable partner of the HollerGirl music festival.

HollerGirl Website

Friends from the Fayette County Master Gardener’s Association toured the farm and shelter.

Master Gardener Website

Teens from the Church of Latter Day Saints painted our fence.

Latter Day Saints Website

Volunteers from Gray Solutions helped tend to the summer weeds.

Gray Website

Friends from the Redeemed Christian Church of God supported survivors at shelter.

RCCG Website

We were honored to be a recipient of the Good Neighbors Grant from Bluegrass REALTORS.

Bluegrass REALTORS Website

Read the Fall 2023 issue of Bloom

This is one article from our print newsletter. Follow the link above to read the full issue!

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shelby and her two kidsBlog

Shelby’s Story

October 2, 2023By

“Once you see that red flag, you can’t change the color of it.”

He was in recovery and was already one year sober when I met him. We were doing great. Then he slipped up and that’s when I saw his worst demons.

When he put his hands on me the first time, and my children were standing there, I just couldn’t do it.

I watched my mom go through it with her second husband and I didn’t ever want my kids to have those memories of watching their mom be hurt by someone who supposedly loves them.

I went to my friend’s house and looked up shelters. That’s when I came across GreenHouse17. They immediately got a room for me. I was there for six months about five years ago.

At first it was really scary. I’m a single mom with two children. The women across the hall were open-armed and welcoming and so were the staff. It was nice because the transition was hard.

I started going to the groups as much as I could. I learned about self-care and how important that is. Meditation classes helped relieve so much anxiety. I learned about healthy relationships, how to set boundaries, and knowing what red flags look like. And understanding once you see that red flag, you can’t change the color of it. It’s never going to go away.

I utilized everything I could. I started a car savings account. I heard about transitional housing and asked how to apply. It took me some time because I didn’t have my birth certificate.

I finally got the news it was moving day. It was right before the big [shelter] remodel, so I asked if I could have the dresser from my room. I still have it in my new apartment.

They gave me a basket with household supplies and a gift card to ReStore where I found a couch. My church furnished the rest of my apartment.

It’s ok to ask for help because you never know where it’s going to get you. If I hadn’t asked for help, if I hadn’t reached out to GreenHouse17, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I can say they saved my life.

This is only part of Shelby’s story, in her own words, shared with her permission.

Read the Fall 2023 Issue of Bloom

This is one article from our print newsletter. Follow the link above to read the full issue!

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voices of hopeBlog

National Recovery Month

September 27, 2023By

September is National Recovery Month.

Amber Clemons from Voices of Hope facilitates weekly SMART [self-management and recovery training] Recovery meetings at our shelter. We welcome her as a guest blogger this month.  

My name is Amber Clemons. I am a person in long-term recovery. My substance use began in 2011 after I had my third child. I began with using prescription opiates and that quickly escalated to using heroin/fentanyl.  

During my years in active substance use I committed crimes that ended in several jail stays and even a prison stay. I lost countless jobs, friends, my children, family, myself and so much more. When I came into recovery in September 2021 it was by the grace of God that I was arrested and incarcerated.  

During the early days of my jail stay during this time I was upset that I was in jail yet again, but then something changed in me, and I was grateful that I got pulled over that night and taken to jail. I hadn’t been in recovery for almost 6 years at the time and truly had no idea what I was doing with myself or my life.  

Thankfully the Judge and Drug Court saw something in me and gave me another chance at living a life of recovery. I was released to Drug Court and sober living, which all gave me the support and accountability that I lacked prior.

Since then, I have graduated Drug Court, gained a beautiful relationship with my children and mom, am employed, and have an apartment and a vehicle. I have peace of mind and serenity with life today among so much more. 

I get to work for Voices of Hope where we meet people where they are in recovery. We provide support to people who are in recovery or seeking recovery and connect people with community resources such as clothing closets, food banks and shelters.  

We connect people to MOUD [medications for opioid use disorder] clinics or provide resources for harm reduction, connect people with treatment – whether that be inpatient, outpatient, transitional IOP [intensive outpatient] living or sober living. Voices of Hope also hosts a wide variety of self-help meetings such as AA, SMART Recovery, Crystal Meth Anonymous, Life Recovery and so many more. 

I was asked to facilitate a SMART meeting at GreenHouse17 after they heard Alex Elswick speak about harm reduction and recovery with Voices of Hope. SMART meetings are not simply about substance use but changing behaviors/attitudes and making those lifestyle changes to make better choices in the future. We also work on goal setting, values, triggers and how to properly deal with them. SMART Recovery is a meeting that can help anyone no matter what lifestyle changes they are making! 

Let us support you in a sober, violence-free life.

Call us anytime at 800-544-2022

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Purple Thursday

September 20, 2023By

Find your fire within to support survivors and call for an end to the abuse. 

October 19 is Purple Thursday, an annual day to show support for survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year’s theme is ‘Find Your Fire Within.’ 

Why Purple? 

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.   

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