Statement Regarding Domestic Violence-related Homicide

Legal Aid Society extends its condolences to the family and loved ones affected by the fatal domestic violence-related incident that occurred on June 2 in Louisville’s Portland neighborhood, in which a mother and her 14-year-old daughter lost their lives. This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of intimate partner violence and the importance of ensuring that survivors have access to legal protections, safety planning and supportive services.

Domestic violence remains a persistent issue in Kentucky and across the United States. According to the Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet’s Domestic Violence Data Report, approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men in Kentucky have experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lives. These findings reflect the widespread nature of intimate partner violence across gender lines and underscore the importance of coordinated legal and community responses.

The same report documents the continued prevalence of domestic violence incidents statewide, including tens of thousands of reported incidents annually and thousands of arrests and protective order filings each year. These data points illustrate both the scale of the issue and the ongoing need for access to legal protections and supportive services for survivors. (Kentucky Justice & Public Safety Cabinet)

Domestic violence often presents significant barriers to safety, including financial insecurity, housing instability, fear of retaliation and concerns involving children and family members. While no single intervention can eliminate risk, access to legal protections and coordinated community resources can be critical in helping survivors seek safety and stability.

Through its Domestic Relations Advocacy Program, Legal Aid Society represents survivors of domestic violence in protective order proceedings, assisting eligible individuals in seeking legal protections available under Kentucky law. Depending on the circumstances, protective orders may include provisions intended to enhance safety, including no-contact requirements, temporary custody arrangements, exclusion from a shared residence and restrictions related to firearm possession.

“Domestic violence cases often involve significant safety concerns and complex circumstances for survivors seeking help,” said Senior Attorney Emily Logan. “Protective orders are an important legal mechanism that may provide meaningful safeguards for individuals experiencing abuse. While no legal intervention can eliminate all risk, access to legal representation, advocacy and community support services can play a critical role in helping survivors understand their rights, develop safety plans and pursue available protections.”

‍Legal Aid Society remains committed to ensuring that low-income individuals have access to civil legal representation in matters affecting their safety and stability. Every protective order hearing represents an opportunity to provide legal advocacy, connect survivors with resources and help interrupt cycles of violence before they escalate further.‍ ‍

COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

‍Survivors of domestic violence often benefit from a range of coordinated supports, including emergency shelter, crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, legal advocacy and protective order assistance. In Louisville and across Kentucky, the following organizations provide services and support to individuals and families experiencing intimate partner violence:

• ‍The Center for Women and Families - Louisville’s primary provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services, offering emergency shelter, crisis response, counseling, advocacy and support services for survivors and their families.‍ ‍

• ZeroV - Kentucky’s statewide coalition working to end intimate partner violence and supporting a network of regional domestic violence programs serving all 120 counties. ‍

• SpringHaven, Inc. - A regional domestic violence program providing emergency shelter, crisis support, advocacy, counseling and safety planning for survivors and families.

‍Preventing domestic violence requires a coordinated community response involving courts, legal advocates, law enforcement, healthcare providers, shelters, social service organizations and community members working together to expand access to safety, support and justice.

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HOW TO FILE FOR A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDER

‍Individuals seeking protection from domestic violence in Kentucky may file a petition for an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) or Domestic Violence Order (DVO) through the court system.

Jefferson County (Louisville):
In Jefferson County, protective order petitions may be filed at the Jefferson County Judicial Center. Individuals may request assistance from the Domestic Violence Intake Center located in the courthouse, where staff can provide information about the filing process and available legal forms. After filing, a judge may review the petition the same day to determine whether an emergency order should be issued. A full court hearing is typically scheduled within the time period required under Kentucky law.  All petitioners are given an application to Legal Aid Society’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Program to determine eligibility for free representation at the court hearing.

Outside Jefferson County:
In all other Kentucky counties, petitions for protective orders are generally filed in the District Court in the county where the petitioner resides, where the respondent resides, or where the abuse occurred. Many counties provide clerk assistance or victim advocate services to assist individuals in completing and filing the required forms. As in Jefferson County, a judge may issue an emergency order based on the petition, followed by a scheduled hearing for a longer-term order.

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SAFETY AND SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Individuals experiencing domestic violence are encouraged to consider safety planning and to seek support from trained advocates and legal professionals when possible. Because every situation is different, what is safest for one person may not be safest for another.

Survivors may benefit from connecting with local domestic violence service providers, which can assist with confidential safety planning, emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy in court proceedings. These services are designed to help individuals assess risk and identify options that prioritize their immediate and long-term safety.

‍Individuals seeking assistance with protective orders or other civil legal matters related to domestic violence may contact Legal Aid Society at 502-584-1254 or apply for help online at www.yourlegalaid.org.

Individuals facing immediate danger should call 911.