FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 18, 2025) – Attorney General Russell Coleman applauded the Kentucky House of Representatives on its unanimous passage of enhanced protections for victims of domestic and interpersonal violence. Chairman James Tipton (R-Taylorsville) introduced HB 38, which makes repeated violations of protective orders a felony offense.
“Domestic violence is one of the most serious threats facing our Commonwealth. It impacts children, parents, families and entire communities, and it presents one of the greatest dangers for law enforcement. I’m grateful to Chairman Tipton and the Kentucky House for staring into the face of this darkness with this legislation,” said Attorney General Coleman. “By increasing penalties for offenders and better protecting victims, we can give new tools to prosecutors, victims advocates and law enforcement. I look forward to working closely with Senators to pass meaningful legislation to deter this criminal conduct and keep Kentucky families safe.”
If you have been a victim of a crime, contact the Attorney General’s Victim Resource and Referral Line at (800) 372-2551.
In August of last year, Erica Riley and her mother, Janet, were killed in Elizabethtown just moments before they were set to appear in court for an emergency protective order.
Attorney General Coleman has collaborated with partners to shine a light on domestic violence and provide law enforcement, prosecutors, victim advocates and medical professionals the tools and training necessary to combat this serious crime.
Last month, Attorney General Coleman released Kentucky’s first-ever toolkit to take on the horrific crime of strangulation during an event at the University of Kentucky’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington. In August of last year, Attorney General Coleman unveiled the 2024 Domestic Violence Prosecution Manual.