WAFB Channel 9, Baton Rouge, LA |LA ranks #1 for deadly domestic violence

LA ranks #1 for deadly domestic violence

By Tyana Williams - bio | email

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - Louisiana has been climbing up the top of one list, but it's not a good one.  The latest statistics from the Violence Policy Center show the state is number one in the country when it comes to the number of deadly domestic violence cases.  Here in Baton Rouge, the demand for domestic abuse help is on the rise.

Calls to the crisis hotline have gone up 17% over the past several years.  But money to support Zonta House, the Capital Area domestic violence shelter was cut.  Executive Director Martha Forbes says as long as Louisiana stays at the top of this list, it's not feasible to cut corners.

"For 2006, Louisiana ranked number three.  Now, using 2007 statistics, Louisiana ranks number one," says Marha Forbes.  Forbes has been with Zonta House for seven years.  She says Louisiana has always been in the top five of the study VPC study "When Men Murder Women."

"One in four women will be abused in her adult lifetime," she says.  She adds one in 14 men will be abused.

Earlier this year, the sister of Keandra Hookfin told us it pained her to look at the picture of her sister.  At the time, Hookfin was in intensive care, paralyzed from the neck down.  Tranese Miller says her sister's husband flipped their car over, pinning Keandra underneath.

Walker Police arrested Hookfin's husband, Elmo Winters, on attempted murder charges.  Police say Winters had a history of domestic violence.

Earlier this month, four people -- Donna O'Berry, Dennis Wayne Carter Junior, and two-year-old Mason Carter were killed by Dennis Wayne Carter Senior.  Carter Senior also killed himself. Livingston Deputies say Carter Senior also had a history of domestic violence.

While the need is there, the money to help fund programs to help victims is not.  Forbes says the state cut between $30,000-60,000 from their budget.

"But with the budget cuts and need for services going up its, we're on the edge."

She says they now deal with hearings for protective orders on a weekly basis.  Temporary restraining orders are up 14-17%.  Forbes also says woman are likely to go through eight acts of violence before calling the police, increasing crisis calls by 17%.

But Forbes is determined that those who want the help, will get it.

"We have 20 families in the shelter.  We have 21 bedrooms.  There's another person who called the crisis line, who may be on her way.  When the 22nd family calls we will provide a space."

Forbes says this number one ranking by the VPC study will be used as an education tool. Especially with October being "Domestic Violence Awareness Month."  She says her job is basically to stop murders.

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