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. 

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.”