Center honoring woman killed by ex-fiance opens

By: Kristen Kennedy - Email

Updated: Tue 3:33 AM, Oct 16, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Domestic violence victims now have another safe haven.

Amanda's Center opened in Lexington on Monday afternoon. The center honors Amanda Ross. She was murdered by her ex-fiance, former state lawmaker Steve Nunn, on September 11, 2009.

"Today is a culmination of what we said we were gonna do when Amanda was murdered," said Ross family friend Dale Emmons, "we were gonna try to make her life make a difference."

"She's here. Her spirit, her soul is here," said Ross family friend Susan Bucher, "it's hard to explain, but Amanda is here."

Amanda's mother wanted a center that would be open all day and night, providing resources and referrals to women in domestic violence situations.

"I know Amanda would be honored to become the name and the face for every victim of domestic violence," said Ross' mother, Diana.

"The thought that Amanda's life has made a difference lifted us up and gave us reason to carry on."

Victims visiting Amanda's Center will receive journals with poems Amanda wrote inside. They will also include names and numbers for community resources and blank pages for the victims to fill.

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