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Listen to the new podcast which discusses how you can help stop domestic violence.

The “It’s Time” awareness campaign has released 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.  

Domestic violence is not a private issue. It’s our responsibility to have open conversations, model ways people can support survivors, and hold people who abuse accountable. This is talked about more in-depth in the podcast, which has two episodes out now. 

“We’re not asking you to add something else to your daily routine. We’re not asking you to take on a big volunteer project. We’re asking you to look at the roles that you’re currently in and how you can think about that differently in order to help prevent domestic violence,” explains Stephanie Theakston. 

Episode 1 

It’s Time to Talk hosts are joined by LeTonia Jones, activist, and Darlene Thomas, executive director of GreenHouse17, to discuss what to do when the people we love are the ones causing harm. How do you approach your family, friends, and loved ones when you see them engaging in behavior that’s abusive? 

“You need to educate yourself. The more you know as a family member, as a friend, a colleague, about this issue and the dynamics, the better we will be in our approach of accountability. This is not your solution, it’s their solution,” explains Darlene.

Episode 2 

Hosts are joined by Fr. Jim Sichko, a Catholic missionary, and Rev. Helene Van Koevering, St. Raphael Episcopal Church, to discuss how faith leaders can be a part of the solution when it comes to preventing domestic violence. 

“Be bold enough to call it out, to preach it, and begin to stop it.” – Fr. Jim Sichko 

DV8 Kitchen serves more than delicious baked breads and meals. They provide second-chance employment opportunities for people who are in substance abuse recovery.

The restaurant’s dining tabletops at the Broadway and East End locations in Lexington feature lovely artwork related to the missions of nonprofit organizations in the recovery community.

Hope Center, Chrysalis House, New Vista, and many more of our community partners have painted tables. By featuring these missions, DV8 Kitchen raises awareness about the variety of services available in Lexington to everyone who visits their restaurants.

You can dine at a table designed and painted by Kristin Carpenter, our communications specialist, at both locations.

“Our tables show greenhouses, a place to grow and start fresh, surrounded by flowers and vegetables we grow on our farm to represent nourishment, growth,
and change,” shares Kristin.

“Conversations need to happen more often about intimate partner abuse, and I hope they happen around these tables.”

Getting and staying sober takes courage, especially if you’re a survivor of intimate partner abuse. National research finds that 67% of women accessing substance use treatment services have suffered intimate partner abuse during the previous six months.

“I’m a visible advocate for survivors. It’s time for you to be too.”

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton speaks this call to action in the “It’s Time” awareness campaign organized by the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Coalition.

Featuring dozens of Lexington leaders, the campaign began last year in response to an increase in the city’s domestic violence homicides.

“It’s time for all of us to make sure we speak up, step in, and stand up for victims of domestic abuse,” says Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police.

Vice Mayor Dan Wu, Judge Melissa Moore Murphy, and Sheriff Kathy Witt lend their voice to the campaign. Several of our organization’s board members, staff, and partners are also featured.

“It’s time to believe survivors of all ages,” says Tanya Torp, executive director of Step By Step. “Those at the greatest risk for violence are between the ages of 14 and 24.”

The campaign debunks the myth that domestic violence is a private issue. It’s our responsibility to have open conversations, model ways people can support survivors, and hold people who abuse accountable.

“It’s time for us to acknowledge that victim blaming and shaming does nothing but harm us all,” says Sam Fore of Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites.

“Acknowledging the realities of abuse shouldn’t be limited to when it’s convenient or when it’s someone you don’t know.”

“It’s time to know that your words matter,” says Pat Gerhard, owner of Third Street Stuff & Coffee. “Respect is super important. We are all one community.”

Look for the campaign across social media and visit the website for information about services, support, conversations, and prevention.