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Attorneys offer advice on escaping domestic violence
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) - Eastern Kentucky attorneys are offering advice to people trying to escape domestic violence after one Laurel County woman was murdered by her husband Tuesday night at their home. "What we try to do is make a difference victim by victim, to try to end domestic violence and that's hopefully where we're going as a society,” said Executive Director of Appalachian Research and Defense Robert Johns. Shannon Mills was murdered by her husband after they got into an argument at their home south of London. Mill’s co-workers said Mills was one of a kind but was stuck in an emotionally abusive relationship before her death. Johns and Appalachian Research and Defense attorney Kelly Wallen told WYMT they see more than 100 domestic violence cases in a year. They explained that a victim’s environment could factor into why many victims do not report their cases. "What I'm finding more often now is families are not exactly supportive of the victims. They don't understand what they're going through, they haven't seen it first hand because so much of this is done in private,” said Wallen.
Wallen said much of the time victims also lack transportation and financial independence to leave their situation.
“That’s a big concern, usually the abuser is the sole financial support so the victims don't know how they're going to live once they do leave,” Wallen said.
Appalachian Research and Defense is just one option for victims to get the help they need.
“I would encourage victims to reach out and see what's out there in terms of services. Because there are many agencies and people out there who are willing to help and try to get them to a better life,” said Johns.
The center provides victims with legal help, finding a job and finding a place to stay among other things.
Other places victims can get help across Eastern Kentucky are listed below.
Eastern Kentucky- Appalachian Research and Defense Centers
Hazard: 606-439-2315
Prestonsburg: 606-886-3876
Jackson: 606-666-4914
Harlan: 606-573-6301
Non-Profit Law firm providing legal help to domestic violence victims and others who need assistance ith anything from protection orders to housing troubles.
Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services, Inc.
Business Line: 606-843-2022
3100 Highway 30 Bypass
London, Ky. 40741
A charitable organization providing service to those in Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Laurel, Knox, Rockcastle and Whitley counties.
Hazard Area - LKLP Safe House
Crisis Line: (800) 928-3131 - Business Line: (606) 439-1552
Kentucky River Area Development District Includes the South Eastern Kentucky counties of Wolfe, Lee, Owsley, Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Leslie; including the communities of Campton, Booneville, Jackson, Hyden, Hazard and Whitesburg
Lexington Area - GreenHouse 17
Crisis Line: (800) 544-2022 - Business Line: (859) 233-0657
Website: Greenhouse17.org
Bluegrass Area Development District includes the Central Kentucky counties of Franklin, Anderson, Mercer, Boyle, Lincoln, Garrard, Jessamine, Woodford, Scott, Fayette, Madison, Estill, Powell, Clark, Bourbon, Nicholas and Harrison counties; including the communities of Frankfort, Harrodsburg, Danville, Richmond, Lexington, Cynthiana, Paris and Winchester.
Prestonsburg Area - Sandy Valley Abuse Center
Crisis Line: (800) 649-6605 - Business Line: (606) 285-9079
Big Sandy Area Development District includes the Eastern Kentucky counties of Magoffin, Johnson, Floyd, Martin and Pike; including the communities of Salyersville, Prestonsburg, Paintsville and Pikeville.
Somerset Area - Bethany House Abuse Shelter, Inc.
Crisis Line: (800) 755-2017 - Business Line: (606) 679-1553
Lake Cumberland Area Development District includes the South Central Kentucky counties of Green, Taylor, Adair, Cumberland, Clinton, Russell, Casey, Pulaski, Wayne and McCreary; including the communities of Campbellsville, Columbia, Jamestown, Liberty and Somerset.
