Domestic violence in the United States is a common problem, affecting around 10 million Americans a year, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Since the murder of a Paducah woman, who was shot in her workplace by her husband on Dec. 13, the community responded with a GoFundme for her children to still have a Christmas and a vigil to celebrate her life — the awareness of the issue remains crucial.

According to the 2023 Kentucky Domestic Violence Data Report, 44.5% of women and 32.9% of men in Kentucky have experienced domestic violence, defined as instances of rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault by current or former intimate partners or family members. But the Department of Justice claims only half of all abuse is being actually reported.

“The true prevalence and impact of domestic violence goes far beyond the scope of the data captured,” the report read.

In Western Kentucky, victims of domestic violence can receive help in multiple ways.

According to the Kentucky Attorney General page for domestic violence, if a victim has fled the environment of domestic violence then they can file a petition for either themselves or their children for protection.

While the page suggests an adult family member file protection for minors, those under the age of 18 cannot file for protection.

In the petition, those who file need to describe the acts of abuse and/or threatening behavior that make following actions and orders necessary for protection. The page also said to note any use of a weapon or object used as one during acts of abuse, etc.

For immediate and present physical danger of injury or assault, an emergency protective order can be made to limit or stop all contact with the respondent, the perpetrator of violence.

The order requires the respondent to the following orders until a hearing.

• Have no contact or communication with the petitioner
• Stop the abuse
• Leave the residence you share
• Award petitioner temporary custody of the children
• Keep from disposing of or damaging property
• Any other orders

If the respondent violates any of the protective orders’ measures, then the petitioner needs to contact law enforcement and the circuit clerk. The page says a violation of a protection order will lead to the respondent arrested, with the action classified as a Class A misdemeanor or contempt of court.

The Merryman House, a 24/7 crisis center for western Kentucky, is another place for help, assisting victims via refuge from death and serious physical injury, as well as support in the courtroom.

The organization is state designated and is the only certified domestic violence program in the Jackson Purchase development district, or western Kentucky. 

The Merryman house serves the following counties, while also providing safety planning, comprehensive case management and advocacy, support groups and education, housing stabilization and assistance and more.

• Ballard;
• Calloway; 
• Carlisle;
• Fulton;
• Graves;
• Hickman;
• Marshall;
• And McCracken.

Merryman also has three outreach offices in McCracken, Marshall and Calloway. The website says all services are free and confidential. 

“It is our purpose and passion to answer calls for help, assist victims to find refuge from the risk of death and serious physical injury, provide food and shelter, support survivors in court, and help them become financially stable and visibly strong,” the organization said on their website. “We have been privileged to serve Paducah and the surrounding counties for more than 45 years.”

Merryman can be contacted by phone at (800) 585-2686 or (270) 226-1149, by email at [email protected] or through their mail at PO Box 98, Paducah, KY 42002.

The organization also allows opportunities for volunteers.