In the midst of the Stay-at-Home order for Louisiana residents, family members under one roof are under more stress with all this ‘together’ time, and law enforcement officials suggest this could be considered the ‘perfect storm’ for domestic violence.

Deputies with the Bossier Sheriff’s Office made a half dozen arrests for domestic abuse battery over the first weekend in May, the sheriff’s office stated in a news release on Thursday.

Domestic violence arrests are not necessarily up at this time, according to the Bossier Sheriff’s Office. However, law enforcement officers are concerned that calls for help are not always being made or reported.

Whether it’s a domestic violence call or response to family trouble, Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington and law enforcement leaders take a strong stance against domestic violence and want victims to know there is hope.

Domestic violence affects millions of people, both women and men, of every race, culture, religion, age or financial status. Mental abuse – yelling, humiliation, manipulation, or threats – and physical abuse – hitting, kicking, slammed against the wall, beaten, stabbed, shot or burned – can cause detrimental and sometimes deadly results.

The center is located at 1513 Doctors Drive in Bossier City and is a collaboration with public and private agencies. The NWLA FJC serves nine parishes; Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Bienville, Claiborne, DeSoto, Jackson, Sabine and Red River.

Their normal office number is 318-584-7171, and the after-hours hotline number is 318-226-5015. The website is https://nwlafamilyjusticecenter.org/.

“Don’t be afraid to pick up that phone or send that e-mail or check on our website,” said NWLA FJC director Jeri Bowen.

“Domestic violence victims are already afraid of the circumstances they are in and the fear that they have…but don’t be afraid to call us, because we’re here to help.”

During this time of COVID-19 and in compliance with the restrictions placed by the State Government and the District Courts of Caddo & Bossier Parishes, NWLA FJC is temporarily working under limited office hours from 8:30 am to 3:00 p.m. with minimal walk-in contact.

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