Get Help

Here at Hope's Wings, we can help you take your next step

IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER PLEASE CALL 911

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship and needs help or would like to speak with someone about domestic violence, confidential help is available 24/7 through our helpline at:

1-859-623-4095

Hope’s Wing staff can assist callers in safety planning, respond to general questions about domestic violence, provide referrals, and share additional information about our programs and services. You can also find additional local resources for your area on our Community Resources page.

Anyone can be a Victim

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. Domestic violence occurs in both opposite-sex and same-sex relationships and can happen to intimate partners who are married, living together, or dating.

Protecting Yourself

Everyone has the right to live without the fear of being abused. Violence can occur anywhere – at home, at work, or in public. However, there are things you can do to make yourself and your family safer. You may not be able to predict or control your partner’s violence but, you can plan the most effective way to respond to it.

Personal Safety Plan

A personal safety plan helps you identify steps to better protect yourself and your children at home, school, work, and in the community. Every situation is different and Hope’s Wings trained staff can help you develop a safety plan that addresses your needs and concerns.

What is a Protection Order?

A.K.A. an E.P.O.

There are a number of steps survivors of domestic violence can take through the criminal and civil legal systems to protect themselves from further abuse. A person may file criminal charges with the police if they are physically attacked, sexually assaulted, threatened with a weapon or have property damaged or stolen by an intimate partner. A Protection Order is a civil order restricting someone accused of domestic violence from harming, harassing, or contacting the victim.

The Hope’s Wings victim advocate assists victims in filing Protection Orders, educates victims on the appropriate use of Protection Orders, and provides guidance and support through the legal system.

To speak to a victim advocate, contact our help line at 859-623-4095.

If you Contact the Police

If the police respond to a call of domestic violence, try to stay calm so that you can accurately describe what happened.

If English is not your first language, ask the officer to arrange for an interpreter. It is not ideal for children, other family members or witnesses to interpret for you.

Show the police any injuries, bruises, or damaged property.

Have the police photograph any injuries or damaged property.

Tell the officers if there were any witnesses.

Tell the officers about other violent incidents.

Show the officers any court documents you have, such as an Emergency Protection Order or Domestic Violence Order.

Ask that a report is filed. Officers are required to file an official report for every domestic violence case they respond to, even if no other police action was taken.

Ask the officers for their business card, case number of the report and a phone number. Call the officers with any concerns or questions while the incident is being investigated.

Be Safe at Work

Victims of domestic violence are especially vulnerable at work because abusers know where to find them. There are steps you can take to protect yourself while at work:

Talk with someone at your workplace you trust regarding your situation.

Notify security of your safety concerns.

Provide a picture of the abuser and a copy of protective orders to security, supervisors, and reception area staff.

Have your calls screened, use a password.

Review the safety of your parking arrangements.

Have someone escort you to your car and obtain a parking space near the building entrance.

Ask co-workers to call the police if the abuser threatens or harasses you at work.

Ask for flexible or alternate hours.

Ask to relocate your workspace to a more secure area.

Review the safety of your childcare/daycare arrangements.

Give a picture of your abuser and a copy of the protective order to the day care provider.

If necessary, consider selecting a new day care site.

Request that all information be treated with confidentiality to provide for your safety and well-being.

If you are being abused, remember

You are not alone

It is not your fault

You do not have to put up with it

Help is available to protect yourself