|
|
|
Each October, across the nation, people concerned with domestic violence devote the month of October to raising awareness of the issue. This year is no different as communities throughout the state take time out to bring light to a particularly troubling problem for Louisiana.
Louisiana consistently leads the nation in domestic homicides and has done so since 1997. According to the recently released Violence Policy Center report, When Men Murder Women, in 2009 Louisiana ranked 3rd in the nation in the rate of women killed by men.
The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) tracks these homicides and says from October 2010 through September 2011, at least 62 people died in domestic violence homicides in Louisiana.
In recognition of the problem, Governor Bobby Jindal has signed a proclamation declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Louisiana.
Beth Meeks, Executive Director of LCADV, commends Governor Jindal for his efforts to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence.
“Although we have significant hurdles to overcome we also have much to celebrate. I am especially thankful to Governor Jindal for his proclamation and to the legislature for increasing the mandatory minimum sentence for a domestic abuse battery offense.”
Meeks encouraged individuals to take a stand in their local areas.
“Programs throughout the state are commemorating this month with a wide variety of activities including Take Back the Night marches, candlelight vigils and luncheons. I would encourage people all over Louisiana to attend these events to show your support and send a clear message that Louisiana does not tolerate domestic violence.”
Meeks also invited members of law enforcement, criminal justice, and other community organizations to attend free training opportunities to be held in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“The National Sheriffs’ Association has selected Louisiana as a training site for its Domestic Violence Trainings on Rural Law Enforcement Training. The National Sheriffs' Association presents this training in a limited number of states and we are lucky to have been selected as a training site.” Meeks said.
The two trainings will be held in Franklin, Louisiana from October 24-27, 2011 and will be co-hosted by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office and LCADV.
For additional information on domestic violence, or for a list of Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities in your area, including the NSA Domestic Violence Trainings, visit www.lcadv.org.
Each October, across the nation, people concerned with domestic violence devote the month of October to raising awareness of the issue. This year is no different as communities throughout the state take time out to bring light to a particularly troubling problem for Louisiana.
Louisiana consistently leads the nation in domestic homicides and has done so since 1997. According to the recently released Violence Policy Center report, When Men Murder Women, in 2009 Louisiana ranked 3rd in the nation in the rate of women killed by men.
The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) tracks these homicides and says from October 2010 through September 2011, at least 62 people died in domestic violence homicides in Louisiana.
In recognition of the problem, Governor Bobby Jindal has signed a proclamation declaring October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Louisiana.
Beth Meeks, Executive Director of LCADV, commends Governor Jindal for his efforts to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence.
“Although we have significant hurdles to overcome we also have much to celebrate. I am especially thankful to Governor Jindal for his proclamation and to the legislature for increasing the mandatory minimum sentence for a domestic abuse battery offense.”
Meeks encouraged individuals to take a stand in their local areas.
“Programs throughout the state are commemorating this month with a wide variety of activities including Take Back the Night marches, candlelight vigils and luncheons. I would encourage people all over Louisiana to attend these events to show your support and send a clear message that Louisiana does not tolerate domestic violence.”
Meeks also invited members of law enforcement, criminal justice, and other community organizations to attend free training opportunities to be held in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
“The National Sheriffs’ Association has selected Louisiana as a training site for its Domestic Violence Trainings on Rural Law Enforcement Training. The National Sheriffs' Association presents this training in a limited number of states and we are lucky to have been selected as a training site.” Meeks said.
The two trainings will be held in Franklin, Louisiana from October 24-27, 2011 and will be co-hosted by the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office and LCADV.
For additional information on domestic violence, or for a list of Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities in your area, including the NSA Domestic Violence Trainings, visit www.lcadv.org.
