Kevin Hyde, CEO of Partnership for Families, Children and Adults requested $330,000 from the Hamilton County Commissioners
Partnership for Families, Children and Adults requested $330,000 from the Hamilton County Commissioners this week to help fund Victim Support Services, which includes the community’s only Domestic Violence Shelter, Rape Crisis Center for survivors ages 13 and older, and 24/7 crisis hotline that connects survivors to immediate safety planning and support. The request represents approximately 10 percent of the program’s annual budget, which exceeds $3.3 million.
This will represent the third year the county contributes to the operating budget of this service to victims. The requested funding would help sustain essential operations, including shelter, crisis response, mental health care and court advocacy.
“Continued support is vital to ensure these services remain accessible to everyone who needs them,” says Kevin Hyde, CEO of Partnership, adding that domestic violence and sexual assault services have experienced significant growth over the past three years.
“Without Partnership, the responsibility of providing these critical services could shift to local governments,” said Mr. Hyde. “Partnership brings great value to the county and city by bringing in about $3M in outside resources for these essential services.
“For nearly 40 years, Victim Support Services has stood by survivors in their most critical moments. We provide safety, compassionate care, and the tools survivors need to begin rebuilding their lives. This funding helps ensure that no one facing violence is turned away, and that every survivor has access to healing and hope.”
In 2024, Partnership’s crisis hotline received 1,503 calls, including 214 related to sexual assault and 1,289 involving domestic violence. At the Rape Crisis Center, 228 survivors received specialized care, including 137 forensic medical exams—the second-highest number recorded in nearly 29 years. The Domestic Violence Shelter provided 13,847 nights of safe housing to survivors and their children, half of whom were minors, a 66 percent increase over the past three years.
Hamilton County experienced a 9 percent increase in reported sexual assaults last year, highlighting the growing need for trauma-informed services. Despite this rise in demand, Partnership remains the only agency in the region offering a full continuum of free and confidential care, including emergency shelter, forensic medical exams, mental health counseling, court advocacy and long-term case management. Survivors can access help at any time through the 24/7 hotline and are immediately connected with coordinated care and support.
“When survivors reach out, they are not just asking for help. They are trusting us to stand with them during one of the hardest times in their lives,” said Mr. Hyde. “It is up to all of us as a community to ensure these vital services continue to meet the growing demand. Every call answered and every survivor supported reflects our collective commitment to safety, dignity and healing.”
Currently, the Domestic Violence Shelter and Rape Crisis Center operate out of a 114-year-old building. A planned relocation of the Rape Crisis Center to the Family Justice Center would provide a modern, trauma-informed space with private counseling and additional exam rooms, secure evidence-based storage, and closer coordination with law enforcement, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and other partner agencies.
"The measure of any city is how it supports those in need,” said Mr. Hyde. “Citizens of a world-class community should receive world-class care. We have a responsibility to provide survivors with not just safety, but dignity and the resources to rebuild their lives.”
Kevin Hyde, CEO of Partnership for Families, Children and Adults requested $330,000 from the Hamilton County Commissioners