St. Martin Parish marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month; local advocate details services and shelters

At a St. Martin Parish government meeting, a representative from a local victim-services organization described services available to people experiencing domestic violence and urged residents to use the resources provided.

The presenter (identified in the transcript as S2) said, “We offer protective order assistance,” and explained advocates accompany survivors to court and help with petition paperwork. The speaker pointed meeting members to a packet that included a brochure and a “power and control” wheel to illustrate forms of abuse.

S2 gave several 2024 service figures: 742 restraining order petitions filed, more than 4,000 crisis calls answered, and more than 400 residents sheltered during the year; S2 also stated a total of 2,156 individuals were served across programs in 2024. S2 said the organization operates two emergency shelters, in Liberia and in Franklin, and that St. Martin Parish residents may use either shelter if fleeing an abusive situation.

S2 noted wider context, saying Louisiana’s rate of women killed by men was “2.18 per 1,000 females” and that the state ranks fifth nationally in that metric; S2 also referenced the death of a local resident, Chantelle Brown, as part of the rationale for local action. During a question-and-answer exchange, S2 explained that temporary protective orders are common and typically issued for six to 18 months, with some rare permanent orders reserved for the most severe cases.

The presenter urged council members and the public to distribute safety cards and to contact the organization by email or phone for event participation, resources, or referrals. The presentation closed with the speaker offering to pose for a photograph with the council.

What happens next: No formal motion or vote on the proclamation appears in the transcript; the presentation concluded and the meeting proceeded to other agenda items.