Caddo DA notes disturbing number of domestic violence in area, change to come

CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In his monthly message, Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart, Sr., explained how changes in the prosecution of domestic violence cases are leading to better outcomes for victims.

The DA acknowledged that while overall crime has declined, his office sees “a disturbing number of domestic violence cases” in the area.

He noted that a 2024 examination of domestic violence cases in the city of Shreveport revealed an alarming amount of dismissals and “questionable sentencing,” which led to a drastic change in how domestic violence arrests in Shreveport and across Caddo Parish are handled. Starting in January 2025, all arrests for domestic violence throughout the parish will no longer be prosecuted by the Shreveport City Attorney’s Office and will instead be handled by the Caddo DA’s Office.

Also changing, according to the DA, is the process for filing protective orders. Anyone seeking an order of protection through the courts had to complete a 17-page form. A new location for the Family Justice Center of Northwest Louisiana is set to open within the Shreveport Police Substation on N. Market Street is scheduled to open later this month. This location is in addition to the single office in Bossier City, giving victims a safe space to file for protective orders and receive information on resources to help escape the abuse.

“This effort has been spearheaded by Debbie Martin of the North Shreveport Business Association, and I thank her for her vision, efforts, and collaboration with myself, Bossier-Webster Parishes District Attorney Schuyler Marvin, Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Caddo Clerk of Court Mike Spence and other city officials to bring relief for Domestic Violence victims in our respective parishes,” DA Stewart said.

Although the statisics show higher instances for women suffering abuse, about one in four, however people of all races, genders, and even teens find themselves among the 70 million people in the U.S. that have been victims. Domestic violence is not only physical abuse it is also shows up as verbal abuse, bullying, stalking, online intimidation, psychological. Elders can experience domestic abuse at the hands of caretakers or family members and teens face dating violence at alarming rates as well.

For information on resources or guidance on filling out a protective order form, contact the Family Justice Center 318-584-7171 at 1516 Doctors Drive, Suite 1, Bossier City.

October 16 is designated as “Wear Purple Day” to mark and commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness, share photos of you wearing purple on social media using the hashtags #DVAM2025, #SUPPORTSURVIVORS, #UNTILEVERYSURVIVORISSAFE or tag PCI Project Celebration Incoporated.