Domestic violence or abuse remains a huge problem throughout Kentucky, including the greater Louisville area.  Abuse can happen to anyone.  Who would have thought that a former legislator would be charged with killing his ex-girlfriend?  At the same time, false allegations of domestic abuse remains common.  If you are the victim of domestic abuse, get help immediately.  You can file for an emergency protective order (EPO) to immediately keep the abuser away from you and/or your children for up to 14 days.  After a court hearing, the EPO can be converted into a domestic violence order (DVO) that can last up to 3 years, and the DVO can be renewed if the judge thinks a threat still exists.

  In Louisville, you can call (502) 596-0853 or if you live in Kentucky, outside of Louisville, you can call (502) 595-4550 for further assistance.  If you know a child is being abused, you are required by Kentucky law to report it even if the abuser is your spouse.  Get away from the abuser anyway you can.  If you need shelter, in Louisville,  you can call (502) 581-7222.

If you are falsely accused of domestic violence, get an attorney immediately!  By Kentucky law, judges must err on the side of caution, and if there is any chance that domestic abuse did or threatened to occur, you will be found guilty.  If a judge enters a DVO against you, your name will go on a public list of Kentucky domestic violence offenders.  You may be forced from your home and your right to see your spouse and/or children may be severely restricted, if not prohibited.  Your right to own a handgun will be taken away from you, you could lose your job and you could be criminally prosecuted for a felony.  If you are going through a divorce, you will likely face the same judge who will have already formed a negative opinion about you.  Once a judge has found you guilty of domestic violence, it is very difficult to get the decision overturned, so do not think that you can just show up in court by yourself, tell the judge the truth, and get the abuse charges dismissed.  It is not likely to happen.  Judges are required by Kentucky law to protect an alleged victim even if the evidence of abuse is not strong.  You need an attorney!

If you or your child is the victim of domestic violence, seek counseling.  If domestic abuse occurred once, it is likely to happen again, and get worse.   

Domestic Violence does not have to mean the end of the marriage if the offender is willing to get help with anger management issues.  Social worker Victoria Satir said, " I have never met a family that I couldn't make happy and functional if the parties were willing".  

The Divorce Manual fully discusses the Kentucky domestic abuse.   Download your free copy.  This is an advertisement for the Divorce Manual.  This is not legal advice it is for informational purposes only.

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