Domestic Violence Awareness Month kickoff, events added

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month will open in Caddo and Bossier parishes Thursday, October 2, 2025, with a proclamation ceremony at 10 a.m. on the Texas Street side of the Caddo Parish Courthouse, 501 Texas Street.

Local public officials will be in attendance to make brief comments and issue a proclamation. A calendar of events happening through the month, subject to additions, has been added below.

Shreveport and Caddo Parish have seen a number of high-profile instances of domestic violence affecting men, women and families, as well as an increasing number of actions by law enforcement agencies, courts and district attorneys to prosecute and punish perpetrators of domestic violence.

"Our community desperately needs to come together to address this overwhelming issue," says Leone Fitzgerald, president of the Caddo/Bossier Domestic Violence Task Force and director of the Victim Assistance Program at the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s office, a sponsor of the month's activities. "Domestic abuse can happen to anyone at any point in a relationship."

Domestic Violence Awareness Month began in 1981 when the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence initiated the first Day of Unity, which aimed to connect advocates across the country who were working to end violence against women. Recognizing the need for a dedicated time to focus on this issue, the observance evolved into a month-long campaign in 1987. The establishment of DVAM was pivotal in bringing domestic violence into the public consciousness and encouraging societal dialogue about the need for change. It is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together to shed light on the issue, advocate for prevention, and support those affected. 

One in four women have experienced violence from an intimate partner, but it affects people of all ages, sexes, races and backgrounds. More than 70 million people in the United States have been its victims. Domestic violence comes in many forms, not only physical harm but stalking, psychological abuse, bullying and online intimidation. Older adults can experience abuse from caregivers or family members, while teens and young adults may face dating violence. 

"No one deserves to live in fear and we want those who are to know what avenues are available to them and, oftentimes, their children and other family members as well," Ms. Fitzgerald added. "Not only in October, but every day, we want representatives from all walks of life to unite and support the people who need it. Our goal is for victims and survivors to know that they do not walk alone."

Other sponsors include Project Celebration Inc., the Shreveport Police Department, the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office, the Shreveport City Marshal’s office, the Shreveport Mayor’s office and Louisiana Victim Outreach.

People or organizations seeking more information on local Domestic Violence Awareness Month events should call Ms. Fitzgerald at (318) 226-5916, ext. 1, or email her at Lfitzgerald@caddoda.com, or they may contact Project Celebration, Inc. at (318) 221-8003.

For more information, visit domesticviolence.org or caddoda.com

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Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, subject to additions, include:

* Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025: Opening event/kickoff with proclamation and opening remarks, 10 a.m., on the Texas Street side of the Caddo Parish Courthouse, 501 Texas St., Shreveport.

* Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. Petrina’s Purple Passion Domestic Violence Breakfast to honor survivors and families. Guest speaker, Dr. Kimberly Pickens. Theme is "Breaking the Silence: Empower, Alleviate, Rise." This honors the legacy of Petrina Jenkins, a legendary warrior in the fight against family violence; also provides scholarships to domestic violence survivors and their families. 8:30 a.m., at Morning Star Baptist Church, 5340 Jewella Ave., Shreveport. Tickets: $30, available through https://square.link/u/guypcAWW 

* Oct. 9, 2025: Domestic Violence Awareness Month recognition event by the Bossier-Webster District Attorney's office and the NWLA Family Justice Center, 9:30 a.m. 204 Burt Blvd., Benton, La. Participants are encouraged to wear purple, the color to mark and commemorate Domestic Violence awareness.

* Oct. 16, 2025: Project Celebration Inc. "Wear Purple Day," Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. Purple is the color to mark and commemorate Domestic Violence awareness. Share your photos of purple at #DVAM2025, #SUPPORTSURVIVORS, #UNTILEVERYSURVIVORSAFE or tag PCI!

* Oct. 18, 2025: "Together We Can Stop Suicide." Northwest Louisiana Out of the Darkness Walk, at Betty Virginia Park, Line Avenue at Ockley Drive, also 3901 Fairfield Ave., Shreveport. Check in is 9 a.m., walk starts at 10 a.m. Contact: Christie Waldrop, (318) 990-0385 or email cnl9102@gmail.com; website is https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/NWLA

* Oct. 18, 2025: Moms on a Mission 318, Healthy Minds, Body & Soul luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Starting Point Ministries, 121 South West Front St., Vivian. Info: (318) 864-0389 or email momshrevela1@yahoo.com.

* Oct. 18, 2025: "A Walk in Her Shoes," 3 p.m., 2750 Shed Road, Suite D1, Bossier City, La. Speakers include Tasia Davis, Almarina Emerson. Wearing purple attire is urged. Info: (318) 685-2888.

* Oct. 19, 2025: Domestic Violence Luncheon, 1 p.m., Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office Community Relations and Crime Prevention, 1501 Corporate Drive, Shreveport, La. Info: Malaysia Simon, (318) 681-0870, or email: Malaysia.simon@caddosheriff.org.

* Oct. 25, 2025: Caddo Parish District Attorney's Office 2025 "Kick Against Domestic Violence," 4th Annual Kickball Tournament, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Bill Cockrell Park, 4190 Pines Road. Food trucks will be on hand. All proceeds will benefit Project Celebration Inc. Info: Sonja Smith, Investigator, Special Victims Unit, Caddo Parish District Attorney's office, (318) 226-6200 ext. 3113.