On September 14, 2016, Kentucky domestic violence programs served 1,106 adults and children. However, a significant number of requests for help – 47 – went unmet because domestic violence agencies lacked the funding and staff to meet demand.
The data comes from the release of the National Network to End Domestic Violence’s eleventh National Census of Domestic Violence Services. The census was conducted on September 14, 2016. “All of Kentucky’s 15 regional domestic violence programs participated,” said Sherry Currens, Executive Director of the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “This is a snapshot of a typical day at a domestic violence program in Kentucky. Unfortunately, nearly 50 survivors or their children were unable to get help.”
During the 24-hour survey period, 1,106 Kentucky adults and children received domestic violence services, including: 738 victims who found refuge in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs, and 368 adults and children who received non-residential services, such as counseling, legal advocacy, transportation, financial literacy, employment assistance, childcare, and children’s support groups.
In addition, 232 calls were answered by regional crisis hotlines on September 14, averaging 10 calls every hour. All of these life-saving services were provided despite 50 percent of Kentucky’s domestic violence programs operating with less than 20 staff.
Many programs reported a critical shortage of funds and staff to assist victims who needed transportation, housing and emergency shelter, legal services, financial assistance, and mental health or substance abuse counseling.
Of the 47 unmet requests for help, 33 were from victims who needed emergency shelter or housing. To exacerbate the crisis, Kentucky’s 15 domestic violence programs have had to cut a total of 14.5 staff positions in the past year, most of which were direct service staff. Programs sited government funding cuts as the primary barrier to meeting all requests for services.
More information about the National Census of Domestic Violence Services is available here.
The Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence (KCADV) provides a strong, statewide voice on behalf of survivors and their children.
KCADV administers $9.5 million in state and federal funds to its 15 member programs, runs a Certification Program for all domestic violence program staff including 30 hours of classroom instruction, and operates an Economic Empowerment Program serving survivors across the state.
KCADV also advocates on domestic violence-related issues at the state and federal levels, coordinates an annual conference with the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault programs, and provides resources, training, and technical assistance to its member programs. Learn more here .
The Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence