The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

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Q&A February is Teen Violence Awareness Month QHow do you define Domestic Violence and abuse? AAshley: “Domestic Violence is power and control patterns of behavior over another individual’s physical, verbal, financial, emotional, spiritual, sexual, etc., self.” QDoes violence and abuse differ in meaning and behavior? AAshley: “The terms and behaviors go hand in hand, meaning they are the same types of patterns of power and control behaviors.” QWould these patterns of power and control behaviors be what some refer to as “Red Flag Behaviors?” AAshley: “Yes! Those patterns of behavior start off as wanting to move into a relationship too quickly. Criticizing and putting you down and when you say no, it is a problem for them. For example, when you are approached the ‘first time’ to give a simple kiss, no matter how badly you want to kiss back, just say “No,” and note the behavior. Also, wanting to keep you away from your family, friends and loved ones and stop you from hobbies, activities, school, etc. The whole idea is to control you!” QWhat is the rate of death caused by Domestic Violence in SWLA? AAshley: “In 2016, there were 4 deaths caused by Domestic Violence in Calcasieu Parish. According to the Census for Louisiana 2015, latest report, “When Men Murder Women – “An Analysis of 24 By Brenda Hill Homicide Data Violence Policy Center,” Louisiana ranks number 4 in the nation for Domestic Violence, with 16% of these homicides are under the age of 18 years old and over half of the homicides are African American women. This makes the Louisiana rate 83% higher than the national average.” QWhat do we lack in in Louisiana to prevent Domestic Violence? AAshley: “We lack funding, resources and awareness. Though there are shelters available in DeRidder and Jennings, we need more shelters and services.” Where do we start? Q AAshley: “We start by educating our community. Include judges, law enforcement, district attorney, and all those in authority. We have good working relationships with many officials, but to understand why a woman will stay and leave a domestic violent environment 6 or 7 times before she gets out free can be puzzling to some. For you to know that she stays because she is not allowed to work or educate herself, or for religious teachings, or threats to children and family members, is empowerment for you. ‘Battered Women’ need to be understood’! That last move is the most crucial and most dangerous move for a ‘Battered Woman,’ so to empower her with a ‘Safety Plan’ is strength for her. Some women are strong and will survive. Most are broken down and ‘BELIEVE’ they {Ashley Chretien Williams, Director of Family Services with Oasis A Safe Haven for Survivors of Domestic & Sexual Violence began as a volunteer and advanced into child advocacy then onto lobbying for victims of abuse. Her passion is to educate and bring awareness to our community about the needs of domestic violence and abuse in Calcasieu Parish and the State of Louisiana. are who they have been told they are!” QWhat steps are being taken to educate and bring about awareness? AAshley: “Because we understand that the cycle of abuse starts with grandmothers, mothers, etc., we have ‘Hands are not for Hitting and Bullying’ for elementary schools, and ‘Teen Dating Violence’ for middle and high schools, including recreation centers in the summer. Just call 337.436.4552 and ask for Ashley to schedule your session today.” If you or someone you know needs help with an abusive relationship, look in to the resources below. LoveisRespect.org, visit this site for information about dating violence and how you can help make others aware. You can also speak with a counselor 24/7 by calling 1-866-331-9474 or text loveis to 22522. Cwshelter.org, Oasis A Safe Haven is the local Calcasieu Women’s Shelter. You can call their Domestic Violence hotline at 337-436-4552. Their Rape Crisis hotline is 337-494-7273. Nomore.org, this organization is dedicated to helping Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault victims. The National Domestic Violence hotline is: 1-800-799-7233 The State Domestic Violence hotline is: 1-888-411-1333 February 2017 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM Volume 4 • Number 5
CALCASIEU PARISH GETTING BACK 2 BIZ #CPBack2Biz #CPStrong #CPChamber SULPHUR West Cal-Cam Hospital Tarver Ford Joe's Pizza & Pasta Stines Pitt Grill Quaker Steak & Lube SPAR Goodwill Hollier's Dairy Barn LAKE CHARLES Reeves Uptown Special Touch Massage Pujo St. Cafe Kmart Pick up your copy of The Voice of SWLA while you’re out and about. CC's Coffee House Chase (Downtown) Steamboat Bill's Civic Center Carnegie Library Luna Bar & Grill MOSS BLUFF Peto's All Action Automotive Market Basket Southern Spice VINTON Post Office Market Basket Love's Truck Stop Calcasieu Parish And Surrounding Areas Do you have a child with special needs? Day Care for Medically Fragile Children Our Staff Includes: RNs/LPNs/CNAs with pediatric experience Physical Therapist • Occupational Therapist Speech Therapist We Provide Transportation 337-562-7819 4250 5th Ave Lake Charles, LA 70607 www.pediatrustla.com Call us Today To See if Your Child Volume 4 • Number 5 WWW.THEVOICEOFSOUTHWESTLA.COM February 2017 25
Page 1 and 2: FEBRUARY 2017 Vol 4 No 5 The Beaure
Page 3 and 4: editor’s By Brenda Hill Honor all
Page 5 and 6: SWLA news How Important is the Spil
Page 7 and 8: Cameron Parish Ward 2 Justice of th
Page 9 and 10: Officials from around Beauregard Pa
Page 11 and 12: Bridal Yes Say The spring may bring
Page 13 and 14: SWLA non-profit 2017 SWLA Family Bo
Page 15 and 16: SWLA health SUCCESSFUL SELF Inc. It
Page 17 and 18: has taken off in the last few years
Page 19 and 20: Did you know? Our products are form
Page 21 and 22: Madelaine Brauner Landry is the own
Page 23: SWLA business Volume 4 • Number 5
Page 27 and 28: IT’S GEAUX TIME. IT’S HERE, Y

The Voice of Southwest Louisiana

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