NEW ORLEANS – In closing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) in partnership with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), Hope Community Health Center, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, New Orleans Family Justice Center (NOFJC), New Orleans Health Department, and Loyola University of New Orleans (LOYNO) hosted members of the local community for a panel on domestic violence in New Orleans.

Hosted and facilitated by OPDA, the panel included Judge Bernadette D’Souza, Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Stephanie Minto, Public Health Domestic Violence Manager Hope Levins, Forensic Examiner Andy Mahoney, LOYNO Professor Dr. Rae Taylor, NOPD Domestic Violence Sergeant Rick Pari, NOPD Domestic Violence Detective Eric Rish, NOFJC Client Services Director Misty Frye and NOFJC Sexual Assault Director Brandy Giles Hernandez.

District Attorney Jason Williams said, “Addressing the scourge of domestic violence in our city will take all of us, but I want the people of New Orleans to know that this DA’s Office is striving to provide accountability for domestic violence offenses, and is always here to provide help and support to those affected. Today, we invite the public to join my office in speaking out against domestic violence. Together, we can and will make a difference in the lives of survivors.”

“Every year, countless individuals are victims of domestic violence, and increasing safety for these victims is a primary focus of our office,” said Victims/Witness Division Chief Alison Morgado. “We are proud to have our amazing partners join us in this community lift to educate the public on available resources that will help to prevent and decrease incidents of domestic violence in New Orleans. I know that we all look forward to working to put an end to domestic violence in our community.”

DA Williams and OPDA recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Observed annually throughout the month of October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is designed for communities to come together and connect individuals and organizations involved in raising awareness and educating the public about the serious social issue of domestic violence.

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