COMMUNITY
ASSISTANCE & ADVOCACY FOR THOSE SEEKING PROTECTION FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ABUSE, AND STALKING Editor’s Note: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month COURTESY OF DAVID L. NICHOLSON | JEFFERSON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT CLERK
D omestic violence — also called domestic abuse or intimate partner violence— is aggression committed by someone in the victim’s domestic circle. This includes current and former spouses and dating partners, immediate family members, other relatives and family friends, both male and female. It can range from one episode of violence that could have lasting impact to chronic and severe episodes over multiple years. Abuse can be physical, psychological, sexual, verbal and emotional. Threatening and controlling behavior, violence toward pets and destruction of property can all be considered forms of domestic violence. DVIC OFFERS ASSISTANCE 24x7x365 Louisville/Jefferson County’s Domestic Violence Intake Center (DVIC) offers assistance and advocacy for those seeking protection from domestic violence and abuse, dating violence and abuse, stalking and sexual assault. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year and is located on the first floor of the Louis D. Brandeis Hall of Justice, 600 W. Jefferson St. The center is jointly operated by the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Jefferson County Attorney’s Office and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The DVIC assists individuals seeking a civil Emergency Protective Order (EPOs) and criminal complaint. Staff can identify the type of protection for which victims are eligible, assist with asking the court for that protection and provide information about community resources.
EPO AND DVO An EPO is a court order intended to stop domestic violence by placing restrictions on the actions of the respondent (individual who allegedly committed the abuse). This is a temporary order that stays in place for approximately 14 days until a court hearing is held to determine whether a long-term order called a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) should be issued. DVIC IS A NATIONAL MODEL Since the DVIC opened in 2009 in a collaborative effort between public and private organizations, it has received national acclaim and has served as a model for similar centers across the nation. If you need assistance, visit the DVIC to learn about the resources available or call (502) 595-4697. Website link: jeffersonkycourtclerk.com/domestic-violence-intake-center
Scan the QR Code to access the petition with guided assistance or visit: kycourts.gov/Legal-Help/Pages/default.aspx
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