To start Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Shreveport-Bossier City, area attorneys plan to shed light on the situation in a major way.
The month’s kickoff is the first “Lawyers Lighting up the Night Against Domestic Violence!” It will be Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 7 p.m. at Riverview Plaza, 601 Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway, with lighting of the the Bakowski Bridge, bathing it in purple in observance of the month.
The bridge will be lit in purple lights for the entire month of October, as a result of lawyers sponsoring the project. The initial goal was to raise money to light the bridge for one night. But the generosity of the lawyer donors resulted in enough funds to light the bridge for the entire month.
“Domestic violence is a community issue, and the fight against it requires a community effort,” says Caddo Parish District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. “We appreciate the local attorneys who have pledged their support in shedding a light on this important issue.”
Area attorneys sponsoring the bridge lighting are Jacqueline Scott, Trey Morris, H. Lyn Lawrence Jr., Ronald J. Miciotto, Holland Miciotto, Shante Y. R. Wells, Courtney N. Harris, Ebony Norris, Scott J. Chafin Jr., Eric G. Johnson, Todd M. Johnson and Ron Christopher Stamps.
Here are other events associated with Domestic Violence Awareness Month:
October 1
Illuminating Shining Light on Domestic Violence Evening Event 6-7:30 p.m., Louisiana Boardwalk. RSVP. Free for victims and Survivors Only. To participate, get more information or to nominate Survivors for free tickets, email: v.mhp@yahoo.com.
Rural DV Awareness and Prevention Information Fair and Emergency Purse Drop Off (Vivian, Louisiana), 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Starting Point Ministries, 121 S.W. Front St., Vivian, La 71082. Contact Dr. Sweetie Ann Lars, revdrlars@gmail.com.
October 6
Project Celebration, Inc., (PCI) joins Shreve Memorial Library (Hollywood Branch) for A Dynamics of Domestic Violence Training and Resource Fair, 10 a.m. Call Sharon Wade at (318) 636-5520 for more information.
October 7
PCI hosts Tree of Hope Planting, 10 a.m. at Tall Timbers Park in Haughton. For more information, call PCI at (318) 221-8003.
PCI hosts A Virtual Put a Nail in Domestic Violence Media Event, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. The Community is invited to paint and display purple nails on all social media platforms. For more information, call PCI at (318) 226-5015.
October 8
PCI and On A Mission, LLC. host A Walk in Their Shoes, 8:30 a.m. at the Stoner Skateboard Park. A 5K run/walk. Registration information and registration at https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=116642. For more information, contact Alex Ray at (318) 393-0880 or through PCI at (318) 226-5015.
October 15
Tailgate Fundraiser, hosted by the Family Justice Center, at the Stage at the Silver Star Steak House to help Northwest Louisiana local victims of Domestic Violence. Tables, sponsors, raffle prizes and more. For more information, visit nwlafamilyjusticecenter.org
October 17
PCI hosts “Cut it Out” virtual training, noon. Virtual event where salon professionals are invited to gain valuable information to recognize warning signs and safely refer clients to local resources. To register or for more information, call PCI at (318) 226-5015.
October 18
PCI hosts “These Hands Don’t Hurt,” a virtual event where local school-age kids create colorful hands showing what a world without violence would look like for prizes. If you have a class or group of children interested in participating, please call PCI at (318) 221-8003.
October 20
Domestic Violence Prevention Lunch and Learn, with Shreveport Mayoral candidates and local law enforcement leaders, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the North Louisiana Crime Lab, 1630 Tulane Ave., Shreveport 71103. Call Dr. LaTienda Pierre at drlatiendapierre@gmail.com or (318) 560-6600.
October 27
The 1st Trey Hutchison Memorial Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Symposium and Awards Luncheon, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the LSUS University Center, Shreveport. Contact Dr. LaTienda Pierre at drlatiendapierre@gmail.com or (318) 560-6600.