HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – For the past 40 years, this nonprofit agency has had a clear and straightforward mission of providing preventative and restorative services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. While there are several Sanctuary Inc. facilities spread through the Pennyrile region, the Hopkinsville location is the only shelter.
Walking into Sanctuary Inc. and being greeted by a member of their staff immediately gives the impression of safety and peace. The expansive, bright facility has been carefully curated to serve the specific needs of the community. A playground, children’s area, community garden, art studio, gym and yoga rooms, 10 shelter rooms and five apartment style shelter rooms fill the space.
“There are a lot of layers to this work,” said Executive Director Heather Lancaster, who credits her dedicated staff for shining in their individual roles to allow the day-to-day tasks to run smoothly. “They’re such a great compassionate bunch with so much to offer. They come from all different backgrounds, and the people we serve do as well.”
While providing temporary housing for those fleeing violence is a very important part of what they do, Lancaster said 90% of people they serve are non-residential cases. Community outreach, preventative youth education, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, case management, and safety planning for those looking to leave violence are also important pieces to the puzzle.
SAFE room
The newest addition to the facility is the Sexual Assault Forensics Exam (SAFE) room. Generally, sexual assault victims who are looking to press charges against their abusers have to go to the emergency room for DNA collection. The vulnerable process can be lengthy and often traumatizing. While advocates from Sanctuary will go to hospitals to support women during these exams, Sanctuary now has their own, in-house SAFE area.
“We have been at work for the last year and a half opening our own safe room, so victims and sexual assault survivors do not have to go into a hospital setting to be seen for one of those exams. Instead, they can come to Sanctuary,” said Lancaster.
They staff nurses and advocates so exams can be done in a more comfortable, less intimidating environment. Childcare, food, a warm cup of coffee, and shower or overnight stay can also be provided with the exam. Advocates will also work with police to pass along evidence to ensure the legal burden isn’t solely on the patient. The goal, as always, is to provide care and comfort.
The SAFE rooms are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 pm., walk-ins or appointments are welcomed.
Crisis response
The stresses of the holidays often manifest into more violence at home which makes this time of year very busy for Sanctuary Inc. Since people have more time off during winter, victims are often trapped at home with their abusers. Although police reports show domestic incidents do get reported to Hopkinsville Police Department, even more goes unreported.
“We have heard survivors report that for the holidays sake, they want to make it work. So they endure what they need to endure, then after the holidays they reach out to us,” said Lancaster. “Sometimes people can’t pick up the phone because their abuser is there.”
Although Sanctuary Inc. has a 24/7 crisis hotline people can call to get out of dangerous situations, they are also responsive through social media. A quick Facebook message sent during a free moment is all some people are able to do to reach out.
To anyone hesitant to reach out, Lancaster reminds people they are a judgment free zone and understand that every survivor’s journey looks different. Their first steps when connecting with someone are always listening to what they have to say, validating and believing them, and letting them know they did nothing to deserve this.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the crisis line at 800-766-0000. Or, visit the Sanctuary Inc. website for more resources.