An event at the Ashé Powerhouse Theatre in New Orleans Friday brought together survivors, experts, and community members to raise awareness about domestic violence and provide information on available resources.
The event, called “Hands Off: A Domestic Violence Awareness Event,” was organized by Naydja CoJoe, who said she first held a similar event in New Orleans in 2022. This is the first time she’s brought it back to the city.
“In my lifetime, seven of my friends have been murdered by their spouses,” CoJoe said. “There’s a lot of sweeping this under the rug. There’s a lot of ignoring signs. There’s a lot of turning your head like you don’t see it because you don’t want to be involved. But when it comes to your people, your friends, your family, your relatives, you have to take a stance at some point.”
The event featured a panel discussion with experts who spoke about the signs, consequences, and resources related to domestic violence. Among the panelists was Lucinda Wilson, supervisor of the New Orleans Police Department Victim Witness Assistance Unit, which provides support to survivors.
“That may include safety planning, relocation,” Wilson said.
A survey conducted by Tulane University last year revealed that half of all Louisianans have experienced intimate partner violence, with women more likely to face these experiences, including sexual and potentially lethal intimate partner violence.
Wilson shared a key message with attendees: “It’s not love if it hurts.”
One survivor, who asked to be identified only by her initials, Z.M., got on stage and shared her personal story of domestic violence during the event. She recounted her experience dating a woman a few years older as a teenager.
“Over the months in this relationship, my friendships disintegrated,” Z.M. said. “My money was already spoken for. My plans became our plans. My voice became our voice. And then comes the physical of it, which I won’t get too much into. But, at a certain point, you have to ask yourself, how much do I love me to be experiencing this? What do I love about me that loves this? Do I love this person more than anything?”
Wilson highlighted the resources available at the New Orleans Family Justice Center, which include cell phones to help survivors stay in contact with detectives. According to the center’s website, they also provide on-site child care and a 24-hour crisis line.
The crisis line can be reached at 504-866-9554.
READ MORE:Domestic violence awareness event in New Orleans honors survivors, provides resources
