We are calling on Kentucky lawmakers and Governor Andy Beshear to take immediate action to strengthen domestic violence laws, improve enforcement of Emergency Protective Orders (EPOs), and establish a statewide Domestic Violence Offender Registry—#StephaniesLaw.

Kentucky consistently ranks among the most dangerous states in the nation for domestic violence. Despite existing legal protections, victims continue to lose their lives after doing everything the system asks of them—reporting abuse, seeking court protection, and trusting that those measures will keep them safe.

Early Saturday morning, December 13, 2025, Paducah lost 31-year-old Stephanie Stacey in a tragic act of domestic violence. Shortly after 3:00 a.m., Paducah Police responded to KC’s Bar and Grill after witnesses reported that a man entered the business and shot Stephanie multiple times at close range before fleeing the scene. The suspect was later identified as 38-year-old Phillip Whitnel. Investigators determined the two had previously been married and were in the process of divorcing.

Stephanie was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

This was not an isolated or unpredictable act of violence. It was the result of a system that too often fails to recognize escalation, track repeat offenders, and intervene before abuse turns fatal.

Emergency Protective Orders and domestic violence statutes are meant to save lives—but paper protections are meaningless without enforcement, accountability, and transparency. When repeat offenders remain unchecked and warning signs are overlooked, victims are left exposed.

This petition urges Kentucky leaders to take meaningful, preventative action by enacting #StephaniesLaw and broader domestic violence reform, including:

 • Creation of a statewide Domestic Violence Offender Registry (#StephaniesLaw) to identify and track repeat and high-risk offenders

 • Stronger enforcement and monitoring of Emergency Protective Orders, including mandatory follow-up after service

 • Immediate and enhanced penalties for violations of EPOs, particularly for repeat offenders

 • Improved communication and coordination between courts, law enforcement, and victim advocacy services

 • Mandatory, specialized training for law enforcement and judicial officials on domestic violence risk escalation

 • A full review and modernization of Kentucky’s domestic violence statutes to close dangerous gaps that place victims at risk

A Domestic Violence Offender Registry would provide critical insight into patterns of abuse, help law enforcement assess risk, and offer courts a clearer picture when making decisions that directly impact victim safety. Similar tools already exist for other violent offenses—domestic violence should be treated with the same seriousness.

Stephanie Stacey’s life mattered. Her death must not be reduced to a statistic or another headline. #StephaniesLaw is about honoring her life by ensuring other families are not forced to endure the same loss.

By signing this petition, you are standing up for Stephanie, survivors, families, and future victims across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. You are demanding laws that prioritize prevention, accountability, and human life.

We urge Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky lawmakers to act now—because waiting costs lives.

Please sign and share this petition to support #StephaniesLaw, demand stronger domestic violence protections, and help create a safer Kentucky for all.