LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Domestic violence isn’t defined to just one thing. “An abuser or a perpetrator of domestic violence uses many tactics,” Diane Fleet with Greenhouse 17 said. “Many people use their children, many people use financial, people use verbal abuse, and then physical abuse is always sort of behind there.” Greenhouse 17 serves women who have experienced all types of domestic abuse, Fleet says the recent grant from the Violence Against Women Act helps them fund court-related costs. “We use our VAWA money to assist folks that, due to safety reasons, might need an attorney to represent them whether it’s for custody, visitation, protective orders,” she said. She adds that the judicial system can be intimidating and complicated, but no one should have to go through it alone. “You’re going up against a person who has been controlling and abusive, and so to meet that person in court face-to-face is a very scary situation,” she said. Some people are still stuck in abusive relationships, which is why Greenhouse 17 is encouraging families to look out for each other this holiday season. If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, you can call the Greenhouse 17 crisis hotline (800) 544-2022. Categories: Featured, Local News, News Tags: abusive, domestic violence, holiday, survivor, vawa, Victim