MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The state of Louisiana has the highest domestic violence rates in the nation, and today the district attorney's office held a rally to inform people.
Domestic violence survivor, Jeslyn Lewis says "it's important that we get the news out, so that people don't feel like they are alone so they don't have to feel embarrassed, because it is such an embarrassing thing to go through, even with family and friends your embarrassed you don't want anyone to know that the person you love is hurting you."
Lewis says it's important to share stories with others so they know they aren't alone, like she once was.
The rally today is to remind people just how serious the problem is here in Ouachita Parish and Northeast Louisiana.
District Attorney Jerry Jones says they see more domestic violence cases come through his office than any other type of case.
Police officers, from a half dozen departments, spent a lot of time discussing how the problem needs to be handled from here on out in Ouachita Parish.
Jones says, "our police are reporting domestic violence as domestic violence, not as disturbing the peace, when our police officers don't enter the house and act as referees, if you commit an act of domestic violence in this parish you go to jail."
Jones says they plan to write more legislation for domestic violence.
If you know someone who needs help or are a victim of domestic violence you can contact the Family Justice Center in Ouachita Parish at 318-998-6030.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:01 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:01:27 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 23:20:46 GMT
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:51:48 GMT
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:23 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:23:16 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:17 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:17:15 GMT
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
