Am I A Victim of Domestic Violence? |
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Domestic violence includes physical injury, sexual abuse, assault, or threats to physically injury, sexually abuse or assault. Each victim of domestic violence has legal options and may request the court to issue a protective order which can limit or stop all contact with an abusive individual.
The respondent or abuser can be a spouse, ex-spouse, parent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, son/daughter-in-law, spouse's parent, spouse's grandparent, spouse’s brother, spouse's sister, members of an unmarried couple (and children of this couple), or individuals formerly or currently living together. How Do I File Paperwork for Protection?For our residents, petitions are filed in the circuit clerk's office, or current residence if you have fled domestic violence. You may file for your protection or the protection of your children. If you are younger than 18 years of age and not married, an adult family member may file the petition for you.
In the petition, you should describe the most recent act(s) of abuse and/or threatening behavior. Be certain to note any instances in which a weapon or dangerous instrument were used or threatened. Additionally, you should provide accurate home and work addresses of the respondent, so the order may be served. |
Powell County Circuit Clerk's Office
606-663-4141 Powell County Sheriff's Office 606-663-2226 Stanton Police Department 606-663-1459 Clay City Police Department 606-663-2224 National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE National Organization for Victim Assistance 800-TRY-NOVA National Resource Center on Domestic Violence 800-799-7233 DOD Safe Helpline 877-995-5247 Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center 866-USWOMEN Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network 800-656-HOPE Battered Women’s Justice Project 800-903-0111 National Sexual Violence Resource Center 877-739-3895 National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 303-839-1852 Kentucky Domestic Violence Association 502-209-KDVA (5382) Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs 866-375-2727 |
What Types of Protection Are Available?
If you believe you are in immediate and present physical danger of injury or assault, you may request an Emergency Protective Order (EPO). An EPO, which is effective until a hearing is held, may require the respondent to:
To determine if a summons or EPO has been served, you may call the circuit clerk or the agency assigned service.
You must be present at the court hearing. Be certain to know the time, date and place. Keep a copy of the order and instructions with you at all times.
During a full hearing you should be prepared to:
- 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
To determine if a summons or EPO has been served, you may call the circuit clerk or the agency assigned service.
You must be present at the court hearing. Be certain to know the time, date and place. Keep a copy of the order and instructions with you at all times.
During a full hearing you should be prepared to:
- Describe abuse and threats (note use of weapons or dangerous instruments)
- Provide photos, medical and police records, if available
- Identify safety needs for you and your children, and
- Describe what protection and/or other needs you require (i.e. child support, treatment for respondent, etc.)
- No contact or communication with the petitioner
- Dismissal of the case
- Stop abuse and threats
- Do not dispose or damage any property
- Respondent must leave the residence you share
- Temporary custody of children
- Temporary child support
- Required counseling for respondent, you, or both
- Other relief