LEXINGTON, Ky. — Individuals who have to file for protecting orders in Lexington have a brand new choice. As an alternative of going to the courthouse, individuals receiving companies by means of a home violence shelter in Lexington can file the paperwork straight with their advocates.
After Lexington noticed an increase in home violence homicides in 2022, advocates and the Fayette Circuit Court docket Clerk got here up with an thought.
"We had 5 of our advocates be sworn in final week as particular deputies they usually can really take protecting order petitions," mentioned Diane Fleet, affiliate director of home violence shelter GreenHouse 17.
Fleet mentioned there could be a number of limitations for individuals who have to file emergency protecting orders.
"Plenty of our of us which might be with us at GreenHouse 17 do not have vehicles and transportation. In case you are a single guardian and you've got a number of kids, that in itself could be totally different attempting to determine that out. We all the time attempt to help, whether or not that is calling an Uber or having an advocate take them, or generally the sheriff's workplace will help us. It is simply one other step," she mentioned.
Now, for individuals who've already developed a relationship with the shelter, they'll do all of it with somebody they're already comfy with.
"I feel there will likely be extra protecting orders which might be filed and I feel it is going to expedite individuals submitting them. We all know that with home violence, when the individual leaves is probably the most harmful time, so if we will get that protecting order filed rapidly as a result of a relationship is established — we're not ready every week or two — I feel that is actually essential," Fleet mentioned. "I feel some individuals that may not have filed as a result of it simply appears too overwhelming, 'I am too exhausted, too drained, I do not know learn how to handle this, however I can simply do it with you proper now whereas I am sitting right here.'"
Individuals who aren't GreenHouse 17 shoppers can go to the Fayette County Circuit Court docket to file these petitions.