10/13/2026
Meade County Locals:
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Nancy Tate
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Unite in advocacy
Over the last few months, I have used my column to provide updates on the work the legislature is doing to prepare for our next legislative session in 2027. This week, I would like to pause to discuss the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, what the legislature is doing to help survivors, and what resources are available for those suffering.
What began as a national “Day of Unity” in 1981 has become an entire month dedicated to ending domestic violence across the country. October is a time for educating ourselves about the reality of domestic violence and abuse and standing with survivors to advocate for a better future.
The need for awareness is crucial, as this kind of violence is happening every day in our state. According to Kentucky’s 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report, 8,301 arrests were made across the Commonwealth for incidents involving domestic or dating violence and abuse. Our courts ordered 20,129 emergency protective orders and temporary interpersonal orders. ZeroV is our statewide coalition dedicated to supporting survivors. In 2025, they received 19,481 crisis hotline calls and 14,338 individuals received services through their 15 regional domestic violence programs.
During the 2026 Regular Session, House Bill 611 was signed into law to improve the accuracy and reliability of data collected regarding domestic violence. HB 611 requires the Criminal Justice Statistical Center to compile data related to domestic violence fatalities and incidents and provide an annual report to state agencies. Reporting responsibilities for the Kentucky State Police, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services are also clarified and strengthened by this law. The purpose of improving data collection is to hopefully prevent future violence and protect potential victims. This measure also helps to inform the legislature on the scope of the issue in order to make better policy decisions.
House Bill 418 was another proposed measure that would have closed gaps in our current domestic violence laws. HB 418 would have placed guardrails on reunification orders, required courts to treat repeat domestic violence as a presumptive bar to unsupervised visitation and custody, and held accountable those who make false domestic violence allegations during custody proceedings. Unfortunately, while the bill was passed by the House, it was not put up for a vote in the Senate and never progressed to become law.
As legislators, we have a responsibility to do our part in protecting Kentuckians from domestic violence. No one should ever have to suffer through that kind of horror, and awareness is one of the first steps to helping victims find freedom. Societal awareness can give victims the boldness they need to come forward and report the abuse they have suffered. We must stand together to support them.
However, for some, reporting is not an easy task. Victims struggling in silence need you to report if you notice something is wrong. We all share in the responsibility to report violence and abuse if we are witness to it.
It is my hope that with new legislation to improve data collection we can take steps forward as a state to end domestic violence and abuse. Of course, there is more work to be done, and I am committed to it.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please seek help through local law enforcement, state law enforcement, or ZeroV’s regional programs and hotline.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
