Domestic violence victims are not alone, and help is available. That was the message Thursday as the Minden Police Department brought together law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and community members for its first Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Forum.
The October 8 event, held outside the police station, drew representatives from several agencies and members of the public to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, discuss resources available to survivors, and encourage the community to take an active role in preventing abuse.
“We wanted to do something special this morning to recognize the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Police Chief Jared McIver said.
Mayor Nick Cox presented a proclamation officially recognizing the month, emphasizing the widespread impact of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence is a serious community issue that affects individuals and families of every age, background, and circumstance,” Cox read.
The proclamation concluded with a call for community involvement.
“The City of Minden encourages citizens, organizations, businesses, schools, churches, and community partners to join together in raising awareness, supporting survivors, promoting prevention, and breaking the silence surrounding domestic violence.”
Representatives from Project Celebration, the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center, and Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center participated in the forum, explaining how their organizations assist victims and their families.
Bridgette Salsberry of Project Celebration emphasized that escaping an abusive situation often involves far more than simply finding somewhere safe to stay.
“At Project Celebration, we understand when someone experiences violence, their needs rarely stop with one service. Survivors may need safety planning, advocacy, shelter, legal assistance, counseling referrals, medical support, transportation, financial services, and assistance navigating the criminal and justice systems. This is why collaboration is at the heart of what all of us do.”
Salsberry explained that partnerships among agencies help connect survivors with the various services they need to rebuild their lives.
Jeri Bowen of the Family Justice Center, which serves eight parishes in northwest Louisiana, challenged those attending to look beyond helping victims after abuse occurs and focus on preventing violence in the first place.
“We are here for the victims each and every day, but I’ll tell you where it begins, it begins with the abuser and at home and in our communities and in our churches and in our schools. We must stop it before it starts, so I ask you to step out of your comfort zone and help us stop domestic violence.”
Holly Tony of Gingerbread House Children’s Advocacy Center drew attention to children who experience domestic violence in their homes, even when they are not the direct targets of physical abuse.
“I want to speak of the silent victims of domestic violence, and that’s the children,” Tony said.
She explained that the organization provides a safe environment where children can share their experiences with trained professionals.
“They come to our center and we have the opportunity to give that child or that teen their voice back and allow them to share their experience of what they went through.”
Tony warned that witnessing domestic violence can have “horrific side effects” that may not be immediately apparent to adults.
“Speak to the children in your life about how to keep themselves safe, and let them know that you’re always a safe person to come to if anything ever makes them feel otherwise,” she said.
Detective Heather Boucher, who joined the Minden Police Department in June and specializes in domestic violence and sex crimes investigations, offered a different perspective through a reading of “I Got Flowers Today,” a poem by Paulette Kelly.
The poem follows a woman through an increasingly violent relationship. After each incident of abuse, her partner brings her flowers, and she convinces herself that he is sorry and that the violence will stop. The final flowers arrive at her funeral after she is killed by her abuser.
McIver said the poem reflects situations officers frequently encounter.
“That poem sums up what we see a lot of in law enforcement and what we hear about. We have women who have become isolated. They’re taken away from their families, they’re manipulated … it’s just a prison. What we’re trying to do is bring recognition to that and say, ‘We’re here for you.'”
He emphasized that victims who seek assistance from the department will receive help connecting with resources and finding safety.
“Domestic victims, you are not alone, you’re not by yourself. We’re here for you. If you come to us, we’re going to do everything possible to get you refuge and get you back on your feet.”
The department is also taking steps to make its facilities more welcoming for victims and their children. A calming room is currently under construction at the police station, where families will be able to wait in a more comfortable environment while officers conduct interviews, arrange services, and complete necessary procedures. The room will include toys and other items intended to help children feel more at ease.
During his closing remarks, McIver shared national domestic violence statistics, including estimates that an average of 24 people experience intimate partner physical violence every minute in the United States.
He also cited figures indicating that approximately one in three women experience physical violence by an intimate partner, one in 10 women experience rape by an intimate partner, and one in seven experience stalking.
“On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines nationwide receive 20,000 calls,” McIver said.
“These are staggering. What we hope to do in Minden is reduce that and be a voice for those victims, for those children that are having to witness it.”
The program opened with a prayer by Fabian Carter, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chief Deputy Tokia Harrison and the national anthem performed by Maddison Delgado.
Following the presentations, attendees had an opportunity to visit with representatives of participating organizations, learn about available services, and enjoy refreshments from Big Soda and Tasty Munch Truck.
The event marked an initial effort by the department to bring law enforcement, victim service organizations, and the public together for a community discussion about domestic violence, with a focus on awareness, prevention, and ensuring victims know where to turn for help.
