Reactions from anti-domestic violence activists to the Elizabethtown shooting

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (WKYT) – A mother and her daughter are dead following a shooting at a Kentucky courthouse Monday morning.

According to Elizabethtown police, Christopher Elder opened fire outside the Hardin County Justice Center, killing his girlfriend Erica Riley and her mother Janet Riley. Another man was also shot, but his identity was not released. Officials say Elder shot himself and later died at the hospital.

Court records show that Erica filed for a restraining order against Elder, accusing him of abuse and mistreatment of her children for a year and a half.

Officials said the Rileys and Elder were at the courthouse for a hearing in the case.

This incident has shocked domestic violence advocates across the state.

“It's always devastating to hear of deaths,” said Crystal Happy-Clay, director of Amanda's Center.

Amanda's Center at the Fayette County Sheriff's Office provides a safe place for victims of domestic violence.

“We are a team of lawyers and representatives who help victims when they need to come in and file for a restraining order,” Happy-Clay said.

State law allows you to file an EPO 24 hours a day, and in Fayette County, officials will even come to you if necessary.

Amanda's Center staff assist victims in filing claims and accompanying them to court, as well as providing access to other resources such as GreenHouse17.

“Our job is to make sure we have enough services to remove most of the barriers,” said GreenHouse17 Executive Director Darlene Thomas.

Thomas says they work with survivors to support them in every way, no matter how they deal with their situation.

“As advocates, we want to say that there are a variety of choices and options and that not every situation fits into a box of what you can or should do or how you should do it,” Thomas said.

They serve 17 counties in Central Kentucky. They are one of 15 programs in a statewide coalition called ZeroV. They are working to ensure that these resources are available in every corner of the Commonwealth.

“We work with partners in government and with various service providers to ensure that we are committed to survivors and that our systems are working and improving to meet survivors’ needs,” said Allison Brown, senior program specialist for ZeroV.

If you need help, there are several ways to reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You can chat live by clicking here. You can call the hotline at 800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788.

A full list of ZeroV’s 15 affiliate programs and their contact information can be found below:

• Safe Harbor – Ashland – 800-926-2150
• DOVE of Gateway – Morehead – 800-221-4361
• The Ion Center – Buffalo Trace – 606-564-6708
• The Ion Center – Northern Kentucky – 859-491-3335
• GreenHouse17 – Lexington – 800-544-2022
• The Center for Women and Families – Louisville – 844-237-2331
• SpringHaven, Inc. – Elizabethtown – 800-767-5838
• Owensboro Area Shelter & Information Services (OASIS) – Owensboro – 800-882-2873
• Merryman House – Paducah – 800-585-2686
• Sanctuary, Inc. – Hopkinsville – 800-766-0000
• Barren River Area Safe Space, Inc. (BRASS) – 800-928-1183
• Bethany House Abuse Shelter, Inc. – Somerset – 800-755-2017
• Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services – London – 800-755-5348
• LKLP Safehouse – Danger – 800-928-3131
• Turning Point – Domestic Violence Services – Prestonsburg – 800-649-6605

All rights reserved.