FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2024) – Furthering the Beshear-Coleman administration’s commitment to combating domestic violence and seeking justice for Kentuckian survivors, today, Gov. Andy Beshear awarded $2,118,743 to 30 organizations across the commonwealth.  

This funding is being awarded from the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant program, focused on stopping sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Funds are allocated for law enforcement, prosecutors, victim services and state and local courts. It also supports community and local projects serving adult and youth (ages 11-17) victims. 

“Today’s announcement is important to me because we’re making progress on protecting victims of violent crimes – and helping more people feel safe in their community,” Gov. Beshear said. “We are doing everything possible to hold offenders accountable and provide resources survivors need.” 

Today, the Governor presented UofL Health with a grant award of $62,720 to provide support for a new hospital-based advocacy program and funding to hire a full-time domestic violence advocate. 

“We are thrilled to receive Violence Against Women Act grant funding, which will allow us to better care for intimate partner violence victims at UofL Health. Victims deserve wrap-around supportive services regardless of where in the community they seek help, and UofL Health will be able to expand this support with VAWA grant funding,” said Amanda Corzine, UofL Health SAFE Services director. “We are grateful to Team Kentucky for supporting victims of violence in our community.” 

For a full list of 2024-25 sub-award recipients, click here.  

Since taking office in 2019, the Beshear-Coleman administration has awarded more than $149 million in grant funding to victim service agencies and provided victim services to approximately 323,000 Kentuckians. In August, the Governor awarded $14.9 million through the federal Victims of Crime Act grant program prioritizing services to victims of child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence; survivors of violence; victims of burglary, theft, drug and alcohol-related crimes; and elderly victims. 

Gov. Beshear signed into law Senate Bill 271 and House Bill 535, requiring the collection and analysis of data related to domestic violence in the commonwealth, including domestic violence arrests, domestic violence shelter use and reports of child abuse. In March, Gov. Beshear signed into law House Bill 207, strengthening the language in statute to include other forms of abuse and sexual exploitation of minors. 

Since his time as attorney general, Gov. Beshear has been committed to increasing public safety and seeking justice and assistance for victims of crime and intimate partner violence. On July 1, the Commonwealth of Kentucky released the 2023 Crime in Kentucky report published by KSP. The annual statewide crime report indicates crime rates have remained stable with a decline in offenses for homicide, burglary, robbery, sex offenses, kidnapping and gambling. For the last three consecutive years, homicide rates have been declining. 

In July, the 2023 Kentucky Domestic Violence Data Report was released indicating that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men in Kentucky have experienced domestic violence. When comparing the 2023 report with the previous year, there were more emergency protective orders served by the Kentucky State Police; law enforcement filed more electronic JC3 forms, which are completed upon responding to a report of domestic violence, dating violence or abuse to track incidents and arrests and assist victims with filing for emergency protective orders; and ZeroV, the state’s coalition of domestic violence shelters, received more calls to its hotline for assistance. 

In April 2023, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 319, increasing award amounts, expanding reimbursement categories and adding caregivers to the persons eligible for reimbursement from the Crime Victims Compensation Fund. On July 15, the maximum amount for compensation increased from $30,000 to $50,000; lost wages awards increased from $300 per week to $500 per week; and funeral expense reimbursement increased from $7,500 to $10,000. In addition to increased award amounts, new categories are eligible for reimbursement. 

Get Help Now 
If you have experienced domestic violence and need support or information about available services, remember: You are not alone. Kentucky’s domestic violence programs and shelters are open 24/7 and are safe for survivors and their families to receive emergency shelter and supportive services. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs assistance, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE or clicking here.  

You can reach out to the 24-hour Rape Crisis Line at 800-656-HOPE (4673) to connect with a sexual assault service provider near you or contact your local KSP Post to connect with a victim advocate. 

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