The Wellspring hosted the Richland Parish Stopping Abusive Family Environments Rural Services Task Force meeting Aug. 20 at Louisiana Delta Community College.
Louisiana Department of Health representatives shared important information and resources with attendees. Beverly Parker, coordinated community response specialist at The Wellspring, shared legislative updates that pertain to domestic violence. One such update is House Bill 208. Louisiana House Bill 208 amended and expanded the punishment for strangulation resulting in serious bodily injury. Under the new law perpetrators of strangulation which results in serious bodily injury can be imprisoned for five to 50 years without the benefit of probation, parole, or suspension or sentence.
Strangulation is a serious form of domestic violence. A victim can lose consciousness in under ten seconds and experience death in under five minutes. According to some studies, victims of strangulation are eight times more likely to become victims of homicide. If you have experienced strangulation or think you may be a victim of domestic abuse, please reach out to one of our advocates for help at 318-412-0226. There is help.
The SAFER Task Force meets quarterly throughout the region to address the needs in their respective parishes. For more information about the SAFER Task Force and its next meeting, contact Beverly Parker at bparker@ wellspringalliance. org. She can also be reached at 318-412-0226.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault call the Wellspring at 318-412-0226 during normal business hours. Our crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 318-323-1505. The Wellspring is here to help.
The Wellspring is a mutli- faceted organization that focuses on strengthening the lives of individuals and families throughout Northeast Louisiana. The Wellspring offers comprehensive residential and non-residential services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Learn more about the services offered in your area by visiting www.wellspringofnela. org.
