Domestic violence advocate responds to Elizabethtown shooting

(LEX 18) – In light of Monday’s deadly shooting in Hardin County, domestic violence activists across the state have joined forces to express their support.

“I haven't met this specific victim, but I meet 'her' every day,” said Darlene Thomas, executive director of Greenhouse17, a 17-county advocacy group for domestic violence victims.

The news of a shooting allegedly sparked by domestic violence has shocked the advocacy group.

“When you've done this work long enough, you understand the loss because you've lost people you served,” Thomas said.

According to court documents, Erica Riley filed for a restraining order against Christopher Elder on August 8. The two were scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on Monday.

According to ZeroV, the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, social workers who supported and cared for several victims of domestic violence were present at the hearing.

But as Riley left the courthouse, she and two others were shot by Elder, police said.

“We have to support them as best we can and unfortunately there are still no guarantees,” said Thomas.

In retrospect, Thomas says, domestic violence advocates across the state would join Elizabethtown in offering support.

“Elizabethtown will need the support of the community and the state as they mourn another loss, another loss to domestic violence,” Thomas said.

ZeroV's membership programs support victims of domestic violence. You can find the hotline and contact information for all membership programs here.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24 hours a day at 800-799-7233.