By Bonnie Culverhouse
The deaths of eight children in Shreveport, due to domestic violence (DV), are on the minds of most people these days.
But it doesn’t just happen in Shreveport; it happens in the communities of Webster Parish, including the small, rural areas where victims of DV are often isolated from help.
That’s where Project Celebration, Inc., comes into play.
“We cover all of Webster Parish,” Outreach Advocate Stephanie Mckelva said. “From Springhill, to Doyline … and south.”
In order to help a victim, Mckelva said she will drive anywhere in Webster Parish.
“We come to them,” she added.
There are several types of abuse and many types of victims.
Fear is the number one reason a victim may not leave an abusive situation.
“Retaliation is a big part of that fear,” Mckelva said. “It’s the lack of knowledge, how to make that first move.”
Some victims that contact Mckelva may ask the question: How do I know what I’m even experiencing is abuse?
She shows them a wheel (see above). It’s a Power and Control wheel.
“Those are things the victim doesn’t have, – power and control,” Mckelva said. “If they can see those things and explanations of the types of abuse, it helps them take back power and control of their situations.”
Financial abuse may be one of the least expected and understood abuses.
“A lot of times, the victims have no money or job,” she said. “The abuser is the bread winner. They have control of the money, the income. The victim may not even have their name on the checking account – a debit card or a way to pay for lodging. If they leave, they don’t know how they will do it with no money.”
Children are often involved and may even be victims of the abuse.
But Mckelva wants them to contact her, so together they can determine the situation and how to best handle it. She’s with them every step of the way.
“It’s a slow progression,” she pointed out. “It can take up to seven times for a victim to permanently leave a situation.”
PCI provides services across a 7-parish area in Northwest Louisiana. It is state-funded and has been helping victims since the 1980s.
All services (see below) are confidential and free of charge. Call Mckelva at 318-517-2697 or email her at stephaniemckelvapci@gmail.com .
(Editor’s note: Stephanie Mckelva is available to speak to community events, churches and civic organizations about Project Celebration Inc. and its services. Call or email information is above.)