BRASS Provides Free Support Services Across the BRADD Region as Nearly Half of Kentucky Women Face Abuse
Domestic violence continues to affect nearly half of Kentucky women, pushing local advocates to raise awareness and provide essential support for those in danger.
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, the organization BRASS offers a range of free and confidential services for victims across the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) region. Their support includes emergency shelters, a 24-hour crisis hotline, court advocacy, and housing assistance—all designed to help victims rebuild their lives.
“We have court advocacy and housing assistance and the opportunity to help individuals figure out what their greatest needs are, help them prioritize what they want to focus in on first,” said Tori Henninger, Executive Director of BRASS. “And then we tackle it kind of one bite at a time.”
Recognizing the Signs
Advocates stress that leaving an abusive relationship is incredibly difficult, but recognizing early warning signs can make a life-saving difference.
Common signs include unexplained bruises, social isolation, and sudden changes in behavior.
“If they flinch when you try to give a hug, or something just feels off, it’s important to trust your gut,” Henninger said. “Be brave enough to reach out so that the survivor can be brave enough to know that there’s someone willing to help.”
For more than 45 years, BRASS has worked to support victims and promote safer communities throughout the region.
“When you look at a statistic where half of the room that you’re in is likely to have an abuse victim in it, we all have to recognize that we can each have a part in it,” Henninger added. “We can be the listening ear, the shoulder to cry on, and we can also know about resources and availability.”
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the BRASS 24-hour hotline at 1-800-928-1183.
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