The Barren River Area Safe Space, Inc. one of Kentucky’s 15 regional domestic-violence shelters will take part in a one-day national snapshot of domestic violence services on Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012. The national census is an effort to better understand the number of victims who secure emergency shelter, support services, and advocacy, and to evaluate the resources available to help.

The National Network to End Domestic Violence has conducted the point-in-time surveys for the past six years. Kentucky traditionally has 100 percent participation in the 24 hour survey.

Lee Alcott, executive director of Barren River Area Safe Space (BRASS), says the national count will help to create additional community awareness of the prevalence of domestic violence and the continued need for services, including emergency shelter.

Our 24 hour crisis lines continue to be a lifeline for victims. Crisis Advocates have answered 1000 calls in the last two months, 1/5 of the total calls answered during FY ’12. There continues to be a greater demand for services. It is a sad statement on our society that domestic violence continues to tear apart families and injure so many women, yet it is a good thing that domestic-violence programs are available.

Barren River Area Safe Space can shelter 28 adults and children at any given time, and often exceeds capacity. Entry into the shelter occurs through the crisis lines. Local funding through the United Way of Southern Kentucky helps to keep the crisis lines running on a 24 hour basis. The agency also facilitates a permanent housing program, economic justice programming, court advocacy, a Child Witness program for children exposed to domestic violence and support services.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and need help please call 1-800-928-1183.