The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office in Shreveport, Louisiana, has introduced a new Domestic Violence Unit aimed at providing comprehensive support to victims of domestic abuse. Since its launch on April 13, the unit has received over 100 inquiries, reflecting the pressing need for such services in the community.
Hands-On Support for Victims
The three-person unit is designed to offer a coordinated response to domestic violence cases, assisting victims from the initial contact with law enforcement through court proceedings and recovery services. Deputy Lesley Lacy, a victim advocate with the unit, emphasized the importance of immediate and continued support for victims. “I get a list of arrests every day and make note of the domestic violence arrests,” Lacy explained. “When deputies go to a domestic violence scene, they can call me and we can do an assessment over the phone, and I can actually go on scene and assess their needs.”
The unit not only connects victims with necessary resources but also assists with protective orders and provides ongoing follow-up throughout the legal process. A unique aspect of the unit is the inclusion of a staff attorney who can accompany victims to court, further ensuring their legal needs are met.
Building Trust and Safety
Deputy Vernita Williams, responsible for intake, highlighted the importance of building trust with victims. “I greet them with a warm smile and let them know it’s okay and that I’m here to listen and help,” Williams said. The unit also uses vehicles equipped with child safety seats to safely transport victims and their children when necessary.
This initiative comes as law enforcement agencies across Caddo Parish respond to a rising number of domestic violence calls. The Shreveport Police Department has reported 1,142 domestic violence-related calls since the start of 2026.
Community and Government Collaboration
In response to the growing issue, the Shreveport City Council has approved a memorandum of understanding between the city, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, and community partners. This agreement aims to improve coordination in domestic violence response and reduce duplication of services. Mayor Tom Arceneaux emphasized the importance of bringing all stakeholders together to strengthen the overall response system.
The focus on domestic violence has intensified following several high-profile cases in Shreveport, including a tragic mass shooting in April and a fatal domestic dispute in May. City Council Chair Tabatha Taylor stated, “We don’t want to see people continue to die from something that is preventable.”
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
