KENNER, La. —
Thursday advocates and survivors hit the streets in purple marching to end domestic violence. Down Loyola Avenue to the steps of city hall.
It comes as domestic violence cases are up significantly compared to last year in New Orleans. Advocates tell WDSU cases of domestic violence are up by at least 15% this year compared to last year. But they believe the cases started to rise at the start of the pandemic in 2020.
They said what’s most alarming is the case severity.
Misty Frye with New Orleans Family Justice Center said, “It’s becoming more of what I would say is gruesome. Where people are using more strangulation, weapons. They are even bleaching and spitting.”
Nationally there’s also been an uptick of about 8%. It is something Councilwoman Helena Moreno said we have to constantly call attention to.
“If we treat domestic violence seriously not only are we protecting the family members but we also create an overall safer community. If you take a look at the most violent offenders. Those strangling suspects, and aggravated domestic abuse suspects. Many are also involved in violence in our community,” Moreno said.
The hope is with light shed, change will be made.
Trashanda Grayes with New Orleans Family Justice Center said, “It will take a commitment from not only us, but the community as a whole to come together to make a difference.”
There were a lot of people in attendance at the rally, including interim police Chief Michelle Woodfork, Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson, District Attorney Jason WIlliams and Moreno.
Moreno said very soon, she and Dr. Jennifer Avegno with the New Orleans Health Department will host a public symposium on the very topic, along with how to prevent and protect victims of domestic violence and their families.
Moreno said the next step would be to put together a task force that will periodically meet in public. The goal is to address the root causes of domestic violence.
Source: Shay O’Connor, Original Article Here