Be it an overbearing, controlling partner, an unhealthy clamp down on finances, or a full-blown physical or sexual assault, domestic violence can take many shapes and come from any gender.
It’s not okay, and there are answers.
This was the message from Sanctuary Inc. Executive Director Heather Lancaster, who during Tuesday’s conversation with the Hopkinsville Rotary Club noted it can take up to six times before a victim recognizes a pattern of behavior from an abuser — and leaves for good.
Two of the organization’s newest missions right now are its Safe Room and its “Empowered to Work” Program — both designed to put those abused in a more positive, successful direction.
Amanda Sholar, Safe Room Coordinator, is a community nurse practitioner who specializes in women’s health. Among her many responsibilities: forensic examinations of those who have experience sexual trauma and abuse.
Beneath her are three “SANE” — or sexual assault nurse examiner — staffers, whose main priority are to answer calls of service.
Sometimes, this leads to criminal charges.
Meanwhile, “Empowered to Work” allows victims to explore short-term job placement, and fosters craftsmanship and skill-building in order to help rebuild confidence — and sometimes financial independence.
Currently, Lancaster said seven regional businesses are on board with this outreach — and more are needed.
Lancaster also noted that Sanctuary Inc., first began in 1982 as a walk-in counseling operation available in Madisonville.
The non-profit organization moved to Hopkinsville in 1984, and has since grown from a 12-bed residential shelter, to a 20-bed residential facility with staff ranging from therapists, prevention educators, and liaise personnel for both hospitals and court rooms.
By 1990, Sanctuary Inc., was handling cases across the Pennyrile, and in 2024:
+ 11,055 bed nights provided for emergency shelter
+ 1,659 calls received on the crisis line
+ 885 counseling and therapy sessions were provided
+ 518 legal and medical advocacy accompaniments were organized
+ And 93 children received safety, therapy and support group services
Lancaster also noted more than 1,000 unique donations came in through their winter Shop & Share, which ran in coordination with Kroger in Madisonville, Hopkinsville and Powderly.
