Domestic violence resources offer hope in Winchester

Domestic vio­lence is an epi­dem­ic, and even towns such as Winchester are not immune. 

In Kentucky, about one in two women and one in three men have expe­ri­enced some form of domes­tic vio­lence in their life­times. That rep­re­sents a sig­nif­i­cant por­tion of Kentuckians who have suf­fered these abus­es in their own homes. (Kentucky.gov, 2023 Domestic Violence Report) 

Domestic vio­lence is not lim­it­ed to phys­i­cal abuse. Instead, it is an umbrel­la term that expands to cov­er phys­i­cal, men­tal, ver­bal, and sex­u­al abuse, stalk­ing, and the inflic­tion of fear between fam­i­ly mem­bers or an unmar­ried cou­ple. (KRS 403.720, amend­ed in 2019) 

In response to these grow­ing reports of domes­tic vio­lence in our com­mon­wealth, dif­fer­ent orga­ni­za­tions have opened their doors to sup­port these sur­vivors. Resources rang­ing from sup­port hous­es to hot­lines have made it their mis­sion to reduce the rates of abuse in Kentucky homes. 

ZeroV 

ZeroV is a statewide coali­tion whose mis­sion is to advo­cate for safer lives for indi­vid­u­als who have been vic­tims of domes­tic vio­lence. Formerly known as the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, they offer trau­ma-informed care catered to individuals. 

Partnering with more than 100 shel­ters in Kentucky, ZeroV makes it their mis­sion to advo­cate for, sup­port, empow­er, and edu­cate sur­vivors of domes­tic violence. 

Website: https://www.zerov.org/

Green House17 

Green House17 is anoth­er out­let whose mis­sion is to sup­port sur­vivors of domes­tic vio­lence. A non­prof­it orga­ni­za­tion, they offer nature-based heal­ing, fresh pro­duce, and job train­ing for indi­vid­u­als who come to stay under their roof. 

Having been a part of over 5,800 sur­vivors’ jour­neys, Green House17 spans over 17 coun­ties in the Commonwealth. Among those sur­vivors, more than 1,200 have been children. 

At Green House17, indi­vid­u­als are able to be a part of sup­port groups and are a vital part of bring­ing pro­duce from the farm to the kitchen table. Additionally, they have a 24-hour hot­line for indi­vid­u­als who feel threat­ened in their own homes. 

Green House17 will be fea­tured in an upcom­ing episode of Finding Kindness, pro­duced by Just Do GOOD Entertainment. Filming in Lexington and Winchester, the show high­lights sto­ries of resilience, com­mu­ni­ty, and com­pas­sion. Country music icon Crystal Gayle will serve as Celebrity Guest Host. 

Website: https://greenhouse17.org/

Silent Cry 

Silent Cry is an orga­ni­za­tion that is try­ing to bet­ter the lives of sur­vivors in Clark County. Aiming to cre­ate a tem­po­rary home for indi­vid­u­als who feel unsafe or who are unable to go back home, Silent Cry wants Winchester to have its very own safe haven. 

Having host­ed a ral­ly back in June, Silent Cry has been work­ing on rais­ing mon­ey to build their home. There, they will be hous­ing women and chil­dren who have been vic­tims of vio­lence and will offer safe­ty until these indi­vid­u­als feel that they can get back on their feet. 

Silent Cry is a tem­po­rary host, sim­i­lar to Green House17, but is focused on Clark County. With a com­mu­ni­ty full of sup­port, they are hop­ing not only to reduce the rates of abuse in and around Winchester, but also to pro­vide refuge for those who need it. 

Domestic vio­lence is not an issue that can be changed overnight or solved by leg­is­la­tion alone. If indi­vid­u­als can­not feel safe in their own homes, where can they feel safe? 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilentCryKY/

Also see these recent articles:

Silent Cry ral­ly sparks com­mu­ni­ty action—WinCity Voices
Silent cry rais­es aware­ness of domes­tic violence—WinCity Voices