October marks the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. joins the U.S. Department of Justice in commemorating DVAM, paying tribute to victims and survivors, and saluting the dedication of advocates, service providers, justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and first responders who tirelessly work in support of survivors.
Domestic violence, dating violence, and intimate partner violence can have long-lasting impacts and consequences. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes; however, rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with disabilities. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.
“We want our community to know that we are here to support victims and survivors in the Middle District of Louisiana – not just in October, but every month,” said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. “And we who serve as federal prosecutors for the Middle District of Louisiana have a duty to use all the tools at our disposal—and leverage our partnerships with local law enforcement and prosecutors—to ensure victims have a viable path to safety and justice.”
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