West KY NOW upholds the 6 core issues of the National Organization for Women

CONSTITUTIONAL EQUALITY

NOW is a proud supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and prioritizes giving women explicit protections in the United States Constitution.

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AND JUSTICE

NOW fully supports access to safe and legal abortion, to effective birth control and emergency contraception, to reproductive health services and education for all women.

A leader in civil rights since 1966, NOW continues to fight for equal opportunities for women of color in all areas including employment, education & health care.

ENDING VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

LGBTQ+ RIGHTS

ECONOMIC JUSTICE

West KY NOW Position Statements

West KY NOW’s statement in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October 2025)

West KY NOW stands AGAINST Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Assault

The West Kentucky chapter of the National Organization for Women (West KY NOW) recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness, and in alignment with our core value to End Violence Against women, we affirm our stance against Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault. Recent and historic instances in our region and across the nation have illuminated the unfortunate persistence of sexual violence in our communities and the necessity to publicly speak out.

West KY NOW Stands With Survivors

We acknowledge the pain and difficulties survivors face, including barriers to reporting and healing. We recognize the additional challenges faced by teen-aged and young adult survivors, who are particularly vulnerable, may be less familiar with their rights, and may face additional barriers to accessing support. 

West KY NOW stands AGAINST INJUSTICES

We are concerned about the numerous instances of injustices faced by various survivors from officials who were in positions to fully investigate reports, mitigate harm, and ensure the safety of individuals. These include significant delays between the filing of initial allegations and the eventual suspensions and arrests. Such delays increase distrust in the local, state and federal judicial structures. 

We recognize the right of each individual to be fairly investigated. We acknowledge the delicate balance that needs to be maintained while pursuing transparency during timely investigations and at the same time protecting the privacy and safety of the survivor and the alleged perpetrator. We also believe that meaningful steps need to be taken to ensure healthy work and home environments, without fear of retribution or backlash against those who speak out and raise concerns about impropriety.

West KY NOW ADVOCATES for Change

We will continue to use our platform to speak in support of survivors including advocating for increased access to and funding for survivor support groups and prevention programming, as well as closing legal loopholes that put survivors at risk. We will continue to pressure officials, including local school boards, public prosecutors, city government and county executives, to fully investigate reported instances as well as conduct a transparent audit of current policies and procedures. We encourage local government officials to work with experts in the field to develop clear policies regarding reporting and reviewing complaints, hiring practices, and volunteer policies. Additionally we encourage local, state and national politicians to support the Violence Against Women Act and endorse the Equal Rights Amendment as important legislative mechanism to fight Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment.

If you are in need of support, please contact:

• Lotus: children’s advocacy and sexual assault center. 1-800-928-7273

• Merryman House: Domestic Crisis Center 1-800-585-2686

• National Hotline for Mental Health Crisis and Suicide Prevention: 1-800-950-6264, text 'NAMI' to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988.

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor