WASHINGTON (August 12, 2010)—Today at a press conference in Lexington, Congressman Chandler and Kentucky Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo announced federal funding to prevent domestic violence through Amanda’s Law and to help families victimized by violence get back on their feet through the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program (BDVP). Chandler and Speaker Stumbo were joined by BDVP Executive Director Darlene Thomas, Commonwealth Attorney Ray Larson, County Attorney Larry Roberts, and members of Amanda Ross’ family.
“Too many Kentuckians have been affected by domestic violence,” Chandler said. “Today, we are taking some major steps to prevent these terrible crimes and to help families get back on their feet. Through Amanda’s Law, Speaker Stumbo helped turn a tragedy into something positive, and I am proud to bring the resources to help enforce it.”
“We have a double header in the fight against domestic violence today,” House Speaker Greg Stumbo said. “Congressman Chandler is making sure that the children and adult victims displaced by violence have a safe roof over their heads. At the same time, funding for electronic monitoring of dangerous offenders, including domestic batterers, is being set aside. The promise of Amanda’s Law is being fulfilled by leaders working together on many fronts.”
Through the leadership of Speaker Stumbo, Amanda’s Law was written and passed by the Kentucky General Assembly in the wake of the murder of Amanda Ross, allegedly by ex-fiancée and former Kentucky lawmaker Steve Nunn. This law, allowing the use of GPS monitoring devices for some domestic violence offenders, went into effect in mid-July.
The federal funding announced today will help Kentucky purchase GPS monitoring devices for pilot programs in rural and urban areas of Kentucky, bring together agencies that play a role in the prosecution and protection of victims, and implement the monitoring program in the court system. The exact funding amount has not yet been finalized, but is expected to be approximately $875,000.
While funding for Amanda’s Law is intended to prevent domestic violence, Chandler also announced funding which will go directly to Central Kentucky families who have been victims of domestic violence. Through the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Transitional Housing Program, this $325,000 will provide services and shelter to families so they can remain self-sufficient and learn the skills they need to get back on their feet and stay there. The program helps with housing, emergency finances, and continuing education.
“Thanks to Congressman Chandler’s commitment to victims of intimate partner abuse in Central Kentucky, the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program will be able to assist families as they ready themselves to re-enter the community,” Darlene Thomas said. “The appropriation will directly benefit families throughout 17 counties who need help with emergency assistance for moving into permanent housing, transportation needs, security deposits and short-term housing assistance, and financial literacy classes to ensure that families have the opportunity to successfully move from crisis to self-sufficiency.”
The Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program, Inc. is an advocacy agency committed to ending intimate partner abuse and helping families victimized by domestic violence. BDVP provides a number of services including 24-hour crisis intervention, emergency shelter, adult support services, children’s support services, programs to improve self-sufficiency, community education and professional training. BDVP serves Anderson, Mercer, Boyle, Lincoln, Garrard, Jessamine, Woodford, Franklin, Madison, Estill, Powell, Clark, Bourbon, Nicholas, Harrison, Scott, and Fayette Counties.
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