Each year, the Natchitoches District Attorney’s Office recognizes October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The purpose of the awareness campaign is to encourage and urge the community to take action and help end domestic violence.
Anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
More prevalent than most realize, one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. This year’s campaign theme, Every1KnowsSome1, strives to highlight how common domestic violence is and that it is more than physical violence.
“In society, we don’t talk enough about domestic violence. Because of that, domestic violence thrives in silence. Awareness will allow people who have knowledge of domestic violence occurring in their communities to seek law enforcement involvement and eventually prosecution of the abuse,” said District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington.
“Our office continues to support victims of domestic violence throughout the process in the justice system. We have a full-time victims assistance coordinator who works with victims to ensure their voices are heard in their case. Additionally, we assist victims with victim reparations and domestic violence protective orders. We encourage all victims of domestic violence to contact our office for support,” said Harrington.
Domestic violence cases continue to rise in Natchitoches Parish at a rate similar to the nationwide trend. Domestic violence can include physical and sexual abuse, battery or assault, stalking or cyberstalking, threats or harassment, or violating a protective order. The persons involved do not have to be married or related. Domestic violence laws were expanded in 2017 to include battery of a dating partner.
“We ask the community to help us prevent domestic violence. If someone is aware of a possible evolving domestic violence situation please notify our office (318) 357-2214. All contact will be confidential. Additionally, the Louisiana Domestic Violence Statewide Hotline is (888) 411-1333, which is available 24 hours per day for assistance. With the community’s help, we can go a long way in preventing domestic violence in Louisiana,” said Harrington.
