ZeroV Mourns Loss of Three Adults and Two Children to Domestic Violence-Related Killings

July 25, 2025
In just the last six weeks, our Commonwealth has lost three adults and two children to tragic and high-profile domestic violence-related killings. We grieve the loss of Hayley Davidson in Lee County, Christina Combs and Beverly Gumm in Fayette County, Luis Jocsan Salas Nuñez in Rowan County, and Tristen Smith in Kenton County. Our hearts are with those who were physically and psychologically wounded as they process the unimaginable events forced upon them by abusive partners. And we keep in our memory the many others who have been lost to intimate partner violence this year and in previous years. To all the affected family, friends, and communities of those killed and injured, know we are mourning alongside you.
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If you are experiencing domestic violence, know that you are not alone. ZeroV’s state-designated domestic violence member programs are available and ready to support you. Hotline and contact information for all of our programs is available at zerov.org/shelter_programs. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7/365 by phone at 800-799-SAFE (7233), text at 88788, and chat at thehotline.org. If you are experiencing sexual violence, Kentucky’s rape crisis centers are available to support you. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected to a local sexual assault program and visit kasap.org/help-for-survivors for more resources.
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To survivors of abuse across Kentucky, and to those who have lost loved ones to intimate partner violence, we recognize that seeing media coverage of these tragic events may be causing anxiety, reopening wounds, or creating new trauma. If you are feeling triggered or even numb, know that your experience and your emotions are real and valid. If you are in crisis, the 988 Lifeline is a call, text, or chat away: 988.ky.gov.
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Intimate partner violence is happening every day, and there is no way to know when it might become intimate partner homicide – it could happen at any time. The goal of an abusive partner is to maintain power and control over their significant other. Because of this, it is often when an abusive partner feels their control slipping that they may increase or escalate their abusive behaviors. And this doesn’t just mean more severe physical abuse, they may do more to isolate survivors from friends and family, make it harder for them to keep a job, make threats to them or their children or their pets. There are countless ways an abusive partner could intensify their coercive behavior to maintain control of their partner.
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It is up to every one of us to take action if we notice any such signs of abuse. The most important first step we can all take to prevent intimate partner homicide is to start conversations with the people in our lives who may be experiencing abuse and listen to them without judgment. If you know someone experiencing intimate partner violence and need help figuring out how to support them, resources and guidance are available for you at thehotline.org/support-others. There is also guidance for adults talking to teens about relationship abuse at thehotline.org/resources/talking-to-teens-about-relationship-abuse, and specific resources for teens and young adults at loveisrespect.org.
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As Kentuckians, we grieve together, and we do what we can to take care of each other. Talk to your friends, family, and communities about supporting people in abusive relationships. When we stand united against violence, we can end intimate partner violence and all violence to create a future in which everyone can live and thrive in safety and peace.
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