An effort is underway in Kentucky to better collect and analyze domestic violence data, with the goal of improving the lives of survivors and their children, and preventing victimization. While data from courts, law enforcement, and state protective services is helpful, it does not always paint an accurate picture or account for underreported cases and the effect on communities. The group ZeroV said in the past five years, its regional shelter programs have provided safe havens and resources for more than 10,000 women and 6,000 children. .
Sexual assault survivors in rural Ohio may have to travel hours to get a forensic exam. During National Forensic Nurses Week, Ohio advocates say they re working to expand access to these trained professionals who can offer trauma-informed care. Tammy Robertson, statewide director of forensic nursing for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, said beyond a medical exam, forensic nurses can provide courtroom testimony, and assist patients in ways other health care professionals typically do not. .
Domestic Violence Awareness Month might be coming to an end, but a recent panel discussion was aimed at educating Nevadans about policy changes as well as dispelling misconceptions surrounding domestic violence. Serena Evans, policy director for the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, said as a state, Nevada tends to be what she calls "reactive instead of proactive," relating to policy implementation. She adds Nevada is one of a few states that does not fund prevention and intervention through its general budget- making it more difficult to get victim survivors the help they need. .
For some people experiencing domestic violence, concern about the safety of their household pet can prevent them from leaving. In a survey of 2,500 domestic-violence survivors , about half reported they feared the perpetrator would harm their pet. Nearly a third reported their pet had been harmed or killed. .