A new program partnership will offer support in Scott County and Frankfort.

A nationally recognized Lethality Assessment Program is expanding to Kentucky, thanks to leadership by ZeroV, the state coalition of domestic violence programs, and Merryman House in Paducah.

This evidenced-based strategy developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence reduces intimate partner homicides and serious injuries.

Equal partnership between victim service providers and law enforcement is a cornerstone of the program and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office and Frankfort City Police Department were eager to sign on.

The program equips these law enforcement offices with 11 screening questions to help identify victims at the highest risk of being killed by an intimate partner. When high risk is indicated, officers immediately call the GreenHouse17 crisis hotline from the scene.

Survivors will speak directly with an advocate about safety planning and available services.

“This program is proven to save lives,” says Darlene Thomas, our executive director. “We’re grateful for the partnership of law enforcement and sister organizations to bring the first Lethality Assessment Program to central Kentucky.”