BATON ROUGE, LA - Celebrating the New Year is a time for laughter,
celebration, and goal-setting. And after a year like 2020, you probably think
everyone is excited to begin a new journey around the Sun. But for victims of
domestic violence, this can be a scary and dangerous time.
Studies show incidents of domestic violence are higher
on New Year’s Day than the normal daily average. Increased stress and alcohol
consumption provide the perfect excuse for abusers to perpetrate violence
against their victims. This year, with end-of-year budget woes and relatives
forced together in close quarters, could further exacerbate that combination.
“We know that domestic violence survivors often face
difficulties staying safe on major holidays. The New Year holiday provides us
with an opportunity to renew our commitment to ensuring the safety of Louisiana
families all year round,” said Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(LCADV) Executive Director Mariah Wineski. “It’s important for everyone to know
the signs of domestic abuse, provide support for victims, and work to hold
perpetrators accountable before the violence escalates.”
Signs of an abusive relationship can include: jealousy,
controlling behavior, quick involvement, unrealistic expectations, isolation,
blame of others for problems, blame of others for feelings, dual personality,
past battering, hypersensitivity, cruelty to animals or children, verbal abuse,
threats of violence, and use of force during argument.
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry encourages anyone
in a dangerous situation who needs resources or to talk to someone to call
the LCADV's 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-411-1333. If immediate help
is needed, dial 911.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic
violence, please get help,” said Attorney General Jeff Landry. “No one deserves
to be abused.”
Attorney General Jeff Landry has made ending domestic
violence in Louisiana one of his top priorities. In just the last 15 months,
Attorney General Landry’s Office has trained over 1,100 people within the
State’s criminal justice system to help achieve better victim-centered care and
offender accountability. Additionally, Attorney General Landry and his
team have partnered with the LCADV and hundreds of local businesses to Break
the Silence on Domestic Violence - placing over 2,500 public service
announcement posters and distributing over 10,000 informational brochures.
Recently, Attorney General Landry secured 5,000 pieces of clothing most of
which has already been delivered to Louisiana’s 17 domestic violence shelters.