By Paige Gurgainers
Community members gathered at the Minden Police Department Thursday, Oct. 8, for an event focused on domestic violence awareness, remembering lives lost and helping survivors find support.
Hosted by the City of Minden and Minden Police Department, the gathering included information about Project Celebration, Inc., and the Silent Witness program. Resources, literature and people available to discuss domestic violence situations helped connect attendees with assistance.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox signed a proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reaffirming the community’s commitment to awareness, prevention and support for survivors.
“I was glad to see a good crowd show up and support this cause,” Minden Police Chief Jared McIver said. “We had resources and literature set out and people to consult with on Domestic Violence situations.”
Purple silhouettes displayed at the event served as reminders of the people behind the issue. The figures follow the tradition of the Silent Witness initiative, which began in Minnesota in 1990 when women artists and writers created 26 life-size red silhouettes honoring women killed by domestic violence. The initiative grew into displays across the country, with figures carrying victims’ names and stories so their lives would not be forgotten.
The chief emphasized that abuse often involves more than physical violence. Isolation, financial control and manipulation can leave victims feeling trapped and unsure where to turn.
“These victims are controlled, isolated and manipulated,” McIver said.
He described how abusers may separate victims from friends and family, restrict access to money, phones or transportation, and convince them that no one will help. Children may also witness the violence or experience abuse themselves.
“We want to be a safe haven with things to offer victims and their children to get them back on their feet,” the chief said.
Project Celebration is a nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in northwest Louisiana, including Webster Parish. Its services include emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, support groups and assistance navigating legal processes. Services are free and confidential.
Thursday’s gathering brought together remembrance and practical support, emphasizing that people experiencing abuse have somewhere to turn.
“Recognizing this Month as Domestic Violence awareness and prevention month is a move in the right direction,” the chief said.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence in Webster, Bossier or Caddo Parish can contact Project Celebration’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 318-226-5015. Louisiana’s statewide domestic violence hotline is 888-411-1333. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
