The Campbell County Fiscal Court officially proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The proclamation, signed last week by Judge/Executive Steve Pendery and the Campbell County commissioners, emphasizes the need for collective action to address and prevent intimate partner violence within the community.
The proclamation highlighted statistics, noting that 34% of Kentucky women and 14% of Kentucky men experience contact sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking related to intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. It also addressed the wide range of abuse tactics, including physical, emotional, financial and verbal abuse, as well as reproductive coercion and career sabotage. These forms of abuse contribute to job instability, financial hardship and additional barriers that prevent survivors from meeting their basic needs.
Chief Operations Officer for the Ion Center Kristy Dangel spoke at the meeting about the role the Ion Center plays in providing free, confidential support to survivors of power-based personal violence, including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse and stalking. The Ion Center, formerly known as the Women’s Crisis Center, offers services such as counseling, medical or court advocacy and a 24-hour hotline to those in need.
“It’s unfortunate that services like these are needed, but we’re grateful to have the resources to help those in crisis,” said Judge/Executive Steve Pendery. “Supporting the Ion Center is part of our commitment to standing with survivors and working toward a safer Campbell County for everyone.”
For more information about the services provided by the Ion Center, visit their website.