The pelican state ranks second in the country for killings related to domestic abuse.
NBC 10″s Crystal Whitman looks at the help available and who will be getting more protection, under the law.
Jeslyn Lewis with The Wellspring Alliance for Families is also a survivor of abuse and says victims should pay attention to the warning signs.
“He put guns to my head, knives to my throat he strangled me until I was unconscious. It took me a long time to finally come to the realization that because it did not happen every day did not reduce the severity of it,” said Lewis.
The statistic is inspiring action in the Ouachita Parish District Attorney’s office.
“We are focused on making it a priority. I can’t say that that is the case for every state in the nation or even the entire state, but I know here in Ouachita Parish in law enforcement, it is very focused on it,” said Johnson.
Attorney Johnson says there are new laws to expand the definition of domestic violence to dating partners and same sex partners along with changes to old laws.
“As of August of this year, that includes same sex couples as well as opposite sex couples. It includes children living in the household and children of the offender no matter where the child actually resides,” said Johnson.
Louisiana still has a long way to go. Additional resources for victims are surly needed.
“Definitely, the Wellspring did help me.They where very understanding. They never judged me or never made me feel any type of way other than safe and secure,” said Lewis.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, there is help for you click here for resources.
