fbpx

Updated January 13, 2022

This response is informed by Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Lexington Homelessness Prevention & Intervention “Infectious Disease: Homeless System Response Plan.”

Services and Advocacy Information

Will my call to the hotline still be answered?

Yes. Our hotline will continue to be answered 24-hours a day. Please call us at 800-544-2022.

Is your shelter still open?

Yes, we are continuing to provide emergency shelter and other emergency housing options. Additional health precautions related to COVID-19 will be required prior to intake and during your stay to fulfill social distancing orders during the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Please call our 24-hour hotline to speak with an advocate: 800-544-2022.

Are support groups still meeting?

Some in-person support groups have resumed, while others are meeting virtually. If you have support group questions or concerns during this time, please reach out to the advocate who typically facilitates your group. If you’ve not attended a support group before, please call our hotline at 800-544-2022 to be connected with the advocate in your community.

Will support from my advocate continue?

Yes. Our advocates will continue to provide supportive services. Some of our services that happen in community spaces could be limited because of precautions being taken. Please contact your advocate with questions or concerns. If you’re not sure how to reach your advocate or have not been connected with an advocate yet, call our 24-hour hotline at 800-544-2022.

Will my court date/hearing be canceled?

Domestic Violence Court is essential and has continued during the pandemic. Although virtual/video hearings are still happening in many of the courts in our region, some have resumed in-person hearings. Please plan to wear a mask should you be scheduled for an in-person hearing. Call us at 800-544-2022 for more information about how our advocates can provide legal advocacy and/or accompany you to court proceedings during this public health crisis.

What if I need to file for an Emergency Protective Order?

You can still file for an Emergency Protective Order. Please call our 24-hour hotline at 800-544-2022 for more information about the process in your community. In Fayette County, you can continue to petition for and receive emergency protection orders 24/7 at the Circuit or District Courthouses in downtown Lexington. If you can’t get to the courthouse to file a petition, consider calling the Office of the Fayette County Sheriff at at 859-252-1771 for a ride. If you reside outside of Fayette County, your community’s Sheriff also will be able to help.

What about safe exchange and visitation appointments?

Children’s Safe Exchange and Visitation services in Lexington and Georgetown are currently operating with additional precautions. Please follow this link for more information.

Giving Support Information

What should I do if my friend or family member is being harmed?

It can be difficult to support a friend or family member who is being abused, especially during times when social distancing and isolation are being encouraged for public health. Reach out to them by phone, text, and social media. Believe the stories they tell you. Listen more than you talk. Avoid saying what you would do. Instead, say you are really worried about their safety and ask if they have a safety plan.

And respect your friend or family member’s decision, even if they decide to stay. Sometimes, it’s because leaving will be too dangerous right now. Your role is to help them make their own decisions, not rescue them. Become familiar with things to consider when making a safety plan. Suggest that they call our 24-hour hotline to speak with an advocate. That number is 800-544-2022. You can call us, too. We are here to answer questions and help you support your friend and family.

How do I make a financial gift to support your services during this time?

Financial contributions to support services for survivors can be made from the secure Donate Now page on our website or mailed to ATTN: Finance, PO Box 55190, Lexington, KY 40555-5190.

Do you need donations of any supplies?

Yes, but we aren’t allowed to accept donations at our emergency shelter until further notice.

Instead, we are asking supporters to make purchases from our Amazon Smile Wish Lists. These supplies will be directly shipped to our shelter, and Amazon Smile will donate a percentage of the purchase cost to our organization.

Are you accepting the donation of gently used clothing and goods right now?

No. We are not allowed to accept the donation of new or used goods at our shelter or other office locations until further notice.

What about your vegetable and flower farm?

Our farm team and survivors continue to tend to the vegetables and flowers during the pandemic.

Can I still purchase Handmade by Survivors soaps and other products?

Yes. Please visit our website’s online shop at this link.