Lexington stands up for domestic violence victims

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office held a vigil Thursday night, to stand in solidarity with victims of domestic violence.

Victims of domestic violence spoke at the vigil, sharing their stories so that more people can understand the impact domestic violence has on the lives of those who experience it.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men in the U.S. are victims of some form of physical violence by their partner.

On a typical day, the coalition says, domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 21 thousand calls. That breaks down to about 15 calls every minute.

Earlier this month, police say 38-year-old Karina Gutierrez was allegedly beaten to death by her estranged husband, after he violated an active Domestic Violence Order (DVO) that Gutierrez had out against him.

That case is the latest domestic violence-related death that we know of.

But, that one, is one too many. The vigil was intended to show people just that.

The vigil ended with candles lit for victims.

If you are ever involved in a domestic violence situation, you can call the help hotline at 1-877-KYSAFE1.