LEXINGTON, Ky. — Nearly 20 people a minute are abused by an intimate partner in the United States according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Sometimes, domestic violence can turn deadly. In Lexington, the city saw an increase in domestic violence related homicides in 2022 with 13 compared to just one in 2021.
Domestic violence is a crime of power and affects 10 million men and women every year.
“It’s an epidemic that affects so many families throughout our community,” said executive director of GreenHouse 17, Darlene Thomas.
For 33 years, Thomas has dedicated her life to helping victims hoping to put an end to the crime. In the last 18 years, she’s been the executive director of Lexington-based, GreenHouse 17.
“We provide emergency shelter, we have housing support programs, support groups, individual advocacy for those who don’t need shelter but still need a place to process,” Thomas said.
The nonprofit serves survivors and their families in Fayette and 16 other counties in central Kentucky. 44 homicides were recorded in Lexington for 2022 and 13 of those were related to intimate partner violence. Thomas said the actual number of domestic violence cases, deadly or not, is more staggering as many go unreported.
“The biggest reason that they don’t report is often just fear, fear of what will happen and fear of repercussions. Which is why it’s incredibly important that those of us that love people who are experiencing intimate partner violence connect them to resources,” Thomas said.
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or race, can become a victim to a violent partner. Thomas said the strength and resilience of victims keep her in the line of work.
“The courage that you have to survive it every day is the same courage you have to reach out and explore other opportunities,” Thomas said.
The city also offers Green Dot Training as part of the “It’s time to get honest about domestic violence” campaign. It invites everyone to consider their role in recognizing and reporting violence between partners safely.
“We have also given victims of domestic violence a simple way to ask for help by encouraging them to call 3- 1-1. Trained Operators connect victims to the services they need,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton at her state of the city address Tuesday.
Services at GreenHouse 17 are confidential and of no-charge to the survivors and victims they serve. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, they can reach GreenHouse 17 24/7 at 800-544-2022.
For more information on GreenHouse 17 visit their website.