Domestic violence is a dark and pervasive issue that plagues our community. Too many of us living in Covington, Kentucky, and its nearby areas have experienced or witnessed the devastating impact of domestic violence (DV) first-hand. Despite seeking help from the legal system, every day survivors confront procedural barriers rather than finding sanctuary and support. Our civil court system, particularly in handling protective orders, is failing the very individuals it must safeguard.

In the past three years, over 50% of Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs) and Interpersonal Protective Orders (IPOs) across our region have been denied. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent countless lives left in precarious situations, often forced back into dangerous environments. Shockingly, we hold the dubious status of being the second-highest in the United States for domestic violence cases, yet our protective order denials are alarmingly high. This points to grave systemic issues.

For every EPO or IPO denied, there's a survivor whose voice isn’t heard. This failure can no longer be ignored. We are calling on the Covington City Commissioners and the Kenton County Judicial Oversight Committee to address these issues immediately. It's time for a comprehensive legislative and judicial review of the entire EPO application, evaluation, and enforcement process.

How can we improve? By ensuring that the procedures prioritize the protection of vulnerable individuals over bureaucratic technicalities, survivors gain the allies they sorely need. We propose several actionable steps:

1. Revise criteria for granting protective orders to focus on evidence and testimonies of danger, not merely procedural compliance.
2. Provide mandatory training for judges and court staff in understanding the dynamics of domestic violence and recognizing subtle signs of abuse.
3. Implement a dedicated oversight body to review denied EPO/IPO cases to identify and rectify any patterns of unjust denial.
4. Establish a fast-track appeal process for denied protective orders to prevent potential escalation of violence.

We have a moral obligation to ensure that the justice system serves its purpose. By reforming our protective order processes, we can save lives, empower survivors, and stand firm against domestic violence. Our community deserves better, and victims of violence deserve justice, not red tape.

Sign this petition to demand a protective order process that truly serves and protects the people of Covington. Raise your voice so that no one else's cries for help are ignored.