Domestic violence warning signs create cycles of abuse

BONNIEVILLE, Ky. – Statistics show that one of six women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime. In the United States, a woman is physically assaulted every 15 seconds according to Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Domestic violence does not usually appear overnight. 

Erica’s alleged killer, her husband William Billy Burden. followed this pattern of abuse. 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline says that many abusers try to gain power and control over the person they’re abusing. This could mean insulting and shaming, pressuring sexual acts or even stopping the person they’re abusing from making financial decisions. And the list goes on. 

One local place victims can reach out to is the Barren River Area Safe Space, or B.R.A.S.S. They provide shelter and counseling services to domestic violence victims and their children.