| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 25, 2024 | District Attorney Jason Williams Joins City Council Panel for Domestic Violence Awareness Month to Address Escalating Challenges, Highlight Resources, and Call for Greater Community Investment in Prevention Efforts | | | New Orleans, LA – In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, District Attorney Jason Williams participated in a significant panel discussion before the City Council yesterday to address the pressing challenges, needs, and resources surrounding domestic violence. Invited by Council President Helena Moreno, a strong advocate for domestic violence prevention and support, panelists shed light on critical risk factors, unsettling trends, and proactive measures to reduce domestic violence across the community. The discussion focused on the profound and lasting traumatic effects of domestic violence and the substantial barriers victims face in escaping abusive situations and seeking justice. | | | | | City Health Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno and Former Judge Desiree Charbonnet Stress the Deep Generational Impact of Domestic Violence on Children and urge Early Intervention through the Expanded AIR Program During the panel, City Health Department Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno highlighted the severe impact domestic abuse has on children, noting that children were present at the scene in at least 30% of local domestic fatalities. “When we talk about generational trauma, there is no greater one than this,” Avegno stated, emphasizing that exposure to such violence can often cause irreparable harm to a child throughout their life. She also underscored the recent expansion of the AIR early intervention program, which aims to provide domestic violence victims with resources more rapidly. Former Chief Judge of Municipal Court Desiree Charbonnet echoed these sentiments, stressing that both perpetrators and victims often come from traumatic backgrounds where violence in the home was a formative experience. | | | Family Justice Center Director and Survivor Call Attention to Rising Severity of Domestic Abuse and the Urgent Need for Support Systems to Aid Victims in Navigating Justice Dr. Trashanda Grayes, Director of the New Orleans Family Justice Center, observed that recently the level of physical abuse has escalated, often involving weapons or other extremely dangerous forms of violence. Emphasizing the role of such discussions in keeping domestic violence awareness at the forefront, Grayes stated, “These panels and collaborations play a crucial role in keeping Domestic Violence Awareness at the forefront. | | | | Despite October being designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, DV incidents occur every day. It is imperative that we stand up for victims and fight for their rights.” She further expressed the Family Justice Center’s commitment to collaborating with agency partners in support of survivors, adding, “The New Orleans Family Justice Center is committed to collaborating with our partners to continue to advocate for survivors and raise awareness within the community.” Survivor Trelva Wells shared her own emotional story of escalating abuse that culminated in a shocking, near-fatal incident from which she is still recovering years later, and also touched on difficulties victims face in navigating a daunting criminal legal system. | | | District Attorney Williams acknowledged the significant challenges in holding offenders accountable, noting that current prosecution efforts can place a heavy burden on victims. He called for increased City investment in both preventive measures and community resources, which can provide critical support systems for individuals struggling to maintain work, education, and personal safety while attempting to escape abusive situations. | | | | | DA Williams Calls for Increased City Investment in Prevention and Support Systems, Emphasizing Early Intervention to Combat the Escalating Impact of Domestic Violence “The fight against domestic violence must begin long before the police are called, much like the fight against breast cancer is waged on football fields and television commercials long before a woman’s first mammogram,” Williams asserted. “The cancer of domestic violence is metastasizing because it’s often left in the dark and suppressed until it is too late. The violence in our streets is being taught in some of our homes at very early ages.” | | | Council President Moreno and DA Williams Emphasize the Importance of Prevention and Education in Combating Domestic Violence and Creating a Safer Community Council President Moreno emphasized that reducing domestic violence is essential to building a safer community overall. “I appreciate DA Williams continuing to enhance efforts to handle these complex cases,” Moreno commented. “But it can’t be all about enforcement. Prevention efforts must increase to educate teens and even adults about respectful relationships.” | | Williams further addressed the dynamics that often leave victims feeling trapped and urged those in abusive relationships to recognize the inherent danger. “If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, it is vital to understand that interpersonal violence situations rarely resolve themselves or improve on their own. If you remain in such a relationship, at best the harm will persist, at worst it will escalate,” Williams cautioned. | | | | |