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By Scott Keith, Americorps VISTA
ZeroV, Kentucky united against domestic violence

It’s essential that  survivors can take shelter from dangerous situations. But if survivors enter shelter with only the clothes on their backs, how can they exit into the world with the assets needed to stay self-sufficient after abuse?

Economic Empowerment Project attempts to answer that question.

More than 2,100 survivors annually receive economic empowerment services through the program. Services include no-interest micro loans, free tax-preparation services, financial education, and credit counseling, and two kinds of Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). IDAs are matched savings accounts that can be used to buy a car, a home, to pay for a post-secondary education, or to start a small business.

Since 2004, IDA participants have made over 580 asset purchases, totaling over $2 million.

The Economic Empowerment project allows survivors such as Parthenia Ferguson to create a new life. Parthenia’s abuser didn’t allow her to have money. In shelter, she learned how to budget. Through savings and her tax refund, she was able to buy a house. Now she has a job with benefits, including a 401k.

For many survivors, leaving isn’t an option because of personal finances and their concerns about their children’s futures. When survivors are economically empowered, they can live on their terms and plan for their futures.

This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Studies estimate that as many as 99% of domestic violence survivors experienced economic abuse. Examples of economic abuse include demanding a partner quits a job; applying for credit cards, obtaining loans, or opening accounts in a partner’s name without their consent; and controlling when or how a partner can access or use cash, bank accounts, and credit cards. Follow this link for a fact sheet published by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence about economic abuse. 

By Meredith Swim
Green Dot Lexington Coordinator

Envision a map of our community. On that map, there are green dots.

A green dot represents a moment of safety. On a map, a green dot marks a specific moment in time when a bystander makes the conscious decision to take action to ensure safety for others.

A green dot is making sure everyone gets home from the concert safely.

A green dot is having a conversation with loved ones about the importance of looking out for one another and fellow community members.

A green dot is checking in on a friend who is potentially in a concerning relationship with a simple and profound text, “I want to let you know that I’m here for you.”

Envision this community map overflowing with green dots. A green dotted map symbolizes that our community does not tolerate any form of violence and everyone is expected to do his or her part, however seemingly small or insignificant, to keep this city safe.

Green Dot Lexington works to make this vision a reality by educating, engaging and empowering bystanders to take action.

Through free talks and training events, we encourage community members to reconsider their own influential power in preventing and reducing violence here in our city. There are two vital ways that Green Dot Lexington inspires bystanders to take action and contribute to putting more green dots – more moments of safety – on our community map:

First, we strengthen the personal tools needed to intervene by exploring different techniques that feel accessible, safe, and can effectively deescalate tension. Getting a person in a position of authority to help, checking in on the person we’re worried about, or causing a distraction to diffuse tension in the moment are a few ways we can put a green dot on the map.

Second, another way to place green dots on our map is by actively expressing an important value to prevent violence.

• Talk with friends and family about why this topic is deeply important and prompt them to consider how they can contribute to creating a safer community.
• Use social media as a platform to advocate the importance of this issue by sharing a story about a bystander who took action.
• Volunteer at a local agency dedicated to uplifting survivors of interpersonal violence, or attend an event that benefits these agencies.

If we all choose to use a few of our moments as opportunities to promote our value of community safety, or ensure and guarantee safety for others, then we will all be contributing to collectively creating the safe community we all deserve.

Our everyday moments matter.

One green dot at a time. One moment of safety – of choosing to act, to speak, to rise and shape a safer city where in the state of unbridled freedom – we all live lives freed from violence and freed from the threat of violence.

Follow Green Dot Lexington on Facebook to keep talking about ending violence in our community.  Green Dot Lexington is supported with generous funding from the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Extended Social Resources program. This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

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Por Nathalie Dietrich

La ley en Estados Unidos ofrece beneficios migratorios para los que son sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica, independientemente de su estado migratorio. Sobrevivientes pueden ser residentes permanentes, personas con visas temporales e indocumentados.

Es importante dar a conocer los beneficios migratorios ya que muchos abusadores usan el estado migratorio para manipular, amenazar y aislar a los sobrevivientes.

La visa U, T, SIJ y VAWA son posibles beneficios migratorios que se pueden solicitar según cada caso.

SIJS (Special Immigration Juvenile Status – estatus especial inmigratorio de jóvenes) es para menores de edad que hayan sido abandonados, abusados o que hayan sufrido negligencia. La visa T puede ser solicitada por personas sobrevivientes de trata humana sexual o laboral. Cónyuges, padres e hijos de residentes permanentes o ciudadanos de EE.UU. pueden presentar la auto-petición VAWA sin el consentimiento de la persona abusiva. La visa U es la más conocida. Se puede solicitar para sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica y de otros tipos de crimen.

Cualquier de esos beneficios migratorios pueden llevar a la residencia permanente y luego a la ciudadanía.

Contrate a un abogado de inmigración o un representante acreditado para preparar su solicitud. Puede ser muy complicada.

Organizaciones que ofrecen ayuda jurídica en derecho de inmigración en KY a personas de pocos recursos:

• https://www.kyequaljustice.org/maxlegalaid
• http://cclou.org/programs-services/legal-immigration-services/
• https://kyrm.org/services/immigration-naturalization/
• http://icofky.org/our-services

Información general sobre derecho de inmigración y beneficios inmigratorios:

• https://www.immigrantjustice.org/client-services#.V-rCLvArK70
• https://cliniclegal.org/
• https://www.ilrc.org/
• https://www.uscis.gov/

Nathalie Dietrich es una representante acreditada bilingüe, autorizada por el ministerio de justicia de los EE.UU. a practicar derecho de inmigración en Maxwell Street Legal Clinic (La Asistencia Legal de Maxwell). This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

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By Sherry Huff Culp, Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass

Have you ever considered what it must be like to be a survivor of domestic violence, aging, disabled, and living in a nursing home? 

In Kentucky  there are over 34,000 residents living in licensed long-term care (LTC) facilities.  The majority of these residents are impoverished older women with two or more disabilities. Some have experienced domestic violence their entire lives while others may have only experienced it since becoming dependent upon caregivers.

A significant portion of elder abuse cases reported in the United States involve partner violence.

The aggressors include spouses and former spouses, partners, adult children, extended family, and in some cases caregivers. Often abusers threaten survivors with nursing home placement if they tell anyone about the abuse.  Some abusers use their role and power to financially exploit their victims. Others feel that they are entitled to get their way because they are the “head of the household,” or because they are younger and physically stronger than their victim is.

Older women are likelier than younger women to experience violence for a longer time, to be in current violent relationships, and to have health and mental health problems, but no one seems really prepared to address the needs of a survivor once they move into a nursing facility.

So often new admissions are asked to quickly conform to the institution’s daily flow. Some residents never have an opportunity to express their needs and wishes.  One of the roles of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman is to visit with residents and learn more about who they are and what they need from their caregivers.

We work very hard to develop relationships with residents and teach them about their rights. One issue that consistently arises while we advocate to improve care and resolve problems is short or insufficient staffing in these institutions. In Kentucky there are no staffing ratios like we have in child care settings.

When there are not enough staff working in nursing homes the needs of residents are neglected, and it increases the likelihood that domestic violence can begin or continue.

Isolation and vulnerability are two of the scariest things about aging, but we can help reduce these fears and protect each other if we demand more caregivers by the bedside, better training for workers, and more person centered care.

This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 

Sherry Huff Culp is the Kentucky State Long Term Care Ombudsman. October is also Residents’ Rights Month. Learn more about the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass at this link: www.ombuddy.org. 

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By Michael Stamper

Very recently I was given the opportunity via an open letter to possibly raise awareness concerning the immeasurably important issue of domestic violence. I am writing this article on behalf of the partners and spouses of advocates who work at GreenHouse17.

As the husband of a domestic violence crisis counselor for nearly a decade, I can’t begin to describe just how little I actually knew about the many facets and faces of all that encompasses this issue. I have on occasion listened to my wife at the end of a very trying day come home drained, angry, and heartbroken by the struggles and pitfalls and, yes, the success stories of these individuals whom she truly loves.

I have felt the anger with her, and even cried beside her, and for that I myself am a better man.

I have personally met many of her co-workers, and even in short conversations, their compassion and dedication to their mission is instantly recognizable. As a father of an incredibly beautiful, bright, and  somewhat spoiled six year old little girl, I want her to always feel loved, and important, and beautiful, but most of all I want her to always feel safe.

This letter is not intended to try to convince any of us to all think exactly the same or even agree on every issue.  It is to ask each one of us as both individuals, as well as parents, to give loving and heartfelt diligence to these issues and work to become more aware of the signs, types, as well as the physical and emotional scars, that are often left as a result of domestic violence.

Together we can stand up and speak out and truly make a difference.

Sincerely,

Michael, Billy,  Jacob, David, Adam, Pete, Indigo, Ralph, Nathan, Miguel,
Dallas, John, Lenzi, Kevin, Mike, and Matt

This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

By Carol Taylor-Shim
Chair, GreenHouse17 Board of Directors

Dear Sister,

I’m writing to you because I love you and know you are in pain. I know you are hurting. I know you are unsafe, confused, and feeling alone.  I know the secrets you keep. You see, I know that as women of color we are not seen as survivors.

We are not seen as being in need of services and advocacy that are tied directly to our marginalized identities. I know the burden you feel of not wanting to get another brother in trouble.  I know some of you don’t and won’t see yourselves as survivors.  And that’s ok, I get it.  You are fighters, because you have to be to survive.  I understand.

I just want you to know that I see you.

And in those moments when you cannot speak for yourself, it is the responsibility of those of us working to end all forms on interpersonal violence, including dating/domestic violence, to do that for you.

To acknowledge that women of color are exposed to domestic violence at higher rates.  To acknowledge that any shelter or service provider has to be fully committed to working through a lens of cultural proficiency.  To acknowledge that there are additional dynamics that you must navigate that other survivors who are not marginalized by their identities don’t have to.  That’s what we have to do for you.

Please know this my beautiful sister, I see you and I believe you.

Follow Carol on Twitter @ctshim71. This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Featured image labeled for re-use with a Creative Commons license from Women of Color in Tech. 

By Stephanie Theakston
LFUCG Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator

It takes a community to keep survivors safe. In our current response to domestic violence, we are often ready with a laundry list of actions a survivor should take to be safe. “Leave. Get a protective order. Don’t let the abuser back in the house. Don’t allow the children to be exposed to any more violence.”

But the reality of domestic violence is that taking steps toward safety often results in abusers escalating violent behavior to regain control of survivors. Because taking steps to be safe may actually put survivors at greater risk, it is up to us – the community – to ensure safety.

As Nelson Mandela once wisely said, “Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.”

This idea that safety can only be achieved through intentional collaboration is the very premise of the Domestic Violence Prevention Board (DVPB), Fayette County’s local coordinating council to address domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a complex issue that cannot be solved by any one person or system alone. This is why the DVPB brings together service providers, criminal justice workers, law enforcement, child welfare workers, community members, and others think about solutions to survivor safety and accountability for abusers.

We challenge and support each other in our work and strive to make the collective response to domestic violence more effective. It is within our power to stop domestic violence. But doing so will take all of us working together.

This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Follow the Domestic Violence Prevention Board on Facebook and Twitter.

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One voice can change everything.

Candy Lightner’s voice changed drunk driving laws. Lilly Ledbetter’s voice protected women in the workplace. Ryan White’s voice changed our understanding of HIV/AIDS. Todd Beamer’s voice coordinated passengers to thwart an airstrike on the Pentagaon.

And your voice can help end domestic violence in families and our community.

Begin the conversation during October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, by changing your profile pics on social media to show your support for survivors and commitment to change.

We’ve provided several options for you. A few of the options also include pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so you can show your support for survivors of both.

Directions: Right click/long tap on the image you prefer, and then “save as” to your computer or mobile device. Log on to your favorite social media, and click/long tap on the option to change your image. Then browse your computer or mobile device files for the image you saved.

This post is part of our 17 Voices campaign during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

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[sgmb id=”1″]The Lexington Domestic Violence Prevention Board has planned a month of amazing events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please make plans to participate in one or many. Your participation sends a powerful message. It says we are a community intolerant of domestic violence. And reminds survivors we care about their well-being.

ALL MONTH, 17 VOICES CAMPAIGN
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Look to the GreenHouse17 social media pages to like and share articles written by community members dedicated to ending domestic violence in our community.

ALL MONTH, BANNERS ON VINE
Look for Domestic Violence Awareness Month banners along Vine Street. Post your photos of the banners on social media with the #LexStopDV hashtag.

SAT 10/1, SHOP & SHARE
Any Kroger in Central Kentucky, 9 a.m.—5 p.m.
Shop at Kroger and purchase listed groceries and supplies for the GreenHouse17 emergency shelter.

TUE 10/4, AWARENESS DONUT
North Lime Coffee & Donuts, 575 N Limestone, 6 a.m.—5 p.m.
Bring your friends to enjoy a purple donut and spread awareness!

FRI 10/7, NIGHT MARKET
700 Block of Bryan Ave., 6 p.m.—10 p.m.
The Domestic Violence Prevention Board will have a table at the Night Market. Stop by for some resources and say hi!

SAT 10/8, YOGA FOR A CAUSE
West 6th Brewery, 501 W 6th St., 11 a.m., $5
Join the splendid Meredith Swim for a fun yoga flow to benefit The Nest—Center for Women and Children. All levels welcome.

THU 10/13, PROCLAMATION BY MAYOR GRAY
City Council Chamber, 200 E Main St., 6 p.m.
Come hear Mayor Gray’s public proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month presented before the City Council.

FRI 10/14, DOCUMENTARY: IT HAPPENED HERE
Memorial Hall, 610 S Limestone St, 7 p.m.
Watch this powerful documentary about sexual assault on campus and institutional cover-up. Hosted by UK’s Late Night Film Series.

THU 10/20, WEAR PURPLE DAY
Put on purple to raise awareness and show your support for those affected by domestic violence. Ask your friends to do the same. Take a pic of your purple with hashtag #LexStopDV.

FRI 10/21, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EMPOWERMENT
2350 Woodhill Dr., 6 p.m.—9 p.m.
Learn and be inspired! Hear great speakers and learn how you can help prevent domestic violence. Hosted by Sisters Road to Freedom, Inc.

THU 10/27, CANDIDATES’ FORUM
Kentucky Theater, 214 E Main St., 3 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
Hear candidates’ responses to questions focused on domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and more. Hosted by Jack Pattie.

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