Domestic violence was reported nearly 39K times in Kentucky in 2024: Report

KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — A new report aims to shed light on domestic violence in Kentucky, revealing that the crisis hotline received over 23,000 calls from Kentuckians in 2024.

The governor’s office released the 2024 Kentucky Domestic Violence Data Report on Monday, June 30. The report aims to shed light on the prevalence of domestic and dating violence in the Commonwealth to combat crime and seek justice for survivors, per Gov. Andy Beshear’s office.

“Far too many Kentuckians experience domestic violence,” Beshear said. “That’s why it has been a top priority of my administration to make our commonwealth a safer place for all our families, and to make sure victim services are available across the commonwealth. Through working with partners, we are able to help Kentuckians in need while working together to bring justice.”

Kentucky State Police, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Administrative Office of the Courts, and ZeroV reportedly provided the data.

The report, overall, shows “stable” levels of domestic violence compared to the year prior, as well as:

• Slight increase om arrests made in connection with domestic violence
• Rise in individuals utilizing resources provided by ZeroV, Kentucky’s coalition of domestic violence shelters
• Fewer JC-3 forms filed, which are completed when responding to a report of domestic violence, dating violence, or abuse, to track incidents and arrests

According to 2024 data:

• 32,889 electronic JC-3 forms related to domestic violence were filed
• 7,964 arrests were made for incidents involving domestic violence and abuse
• 17,023 emergency protective orders and temporary interpersonal orders were served
• 15,386 individuals received services from ZeroV’s 15 regional domestic violence programs
• 23,023 crisis hotline calls were received through ZeroV’s 15 regional domestic violence programs

Specifically in the central Kentucky region that includes Lexington, 4,291 JC-3 forms were completed, and 1,393 arrests were made in 2024.

The district, including Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble Counties, contributed nearly 52% of the total JC-3 forms filed in the state and tendered the highest percentage of arrests at 35%.

The report also noted the demographics most commonly affected, as women were reported victims of domestic violence 71% of the time, and men were the perpetrators 73% of the time.

The majority of perpetrators and victims were white, according to the report, at 70.66% of individuals identified in JC-3 forms with arrest.

40.75% of people affected by domestic violence were aged 25 through 39, data showed.

Further data supported that most cases involved someone the victim was romantically involved with, was their spouse, or with whom they shared a child.

Kentucky’s domestic violence programs and shelters are open 24/7 for survivors and their families to receive emergency shelter and supportive services. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and needs assistance, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 800-799-SAFE or clicking here. 

You can reach out to the 24-hour Rape Crisis Line at 800-656-HOPE (4673) to connect with a sexual assault service provider near you or contact your local KSP Post to connect with a victim advocate.