LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington has experienced multiple domestic violence incidents around the city and with the help of the Fayette County Circuit Court system, the prevention group Greenhouse 17 now files emergency protective orders for its families.
Greenhouse 17 is making the legal process for some survivors more accessible with the help circuit court system.
The advocacy group is one of the first to lean into these efforts around the city. Executive Director Darlene Thomas says they want people they help to have an extra option.
“How do I say this and how can I best word this or that so the judge understands why I’m afraid and just in a safe, potentially comfortable type-setting to explore those choices? It’s critical for survivors,” Thomas said.
Now, staff at the domestic violence prevention center can file emergency protective order services within its walls. This prevents people from having to travel from various locations and from what can be an already challenging process. Longtime staff members like data collection and family advocates are now deputized agents in the process, according to Mary Stamper.
“To fill them and put them in the systems correctly and be able to find out what court they still have and if they do, so, everything will be done here and they won’t have to leave the shelter for anything,” Stamper explained.
Lexington saw nearly 10 deaths linked to domestic violence-related incidents last year, totaling nearly a third of those homicides according to the city’s homicide investigations.