Shreveport, Louisiana – The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) today released a statement expressing support for the Shreveport community as it weathers the loss of a longstanding agency, the YWCA. “The YWCA was a member of the statewide coalition for many years and we want to express our support to the citizens of Shreveport during this time. The loss of the Y is a loss for all of us. We commend them for the many years of service they gave to the community.”

However, the Executive Director of the coalition, Beth Meeks, was optimistic about the ability to meet the needs of survivors of violence in Shreveport and surrounding areas. “Providence House is a full service domestic violence agency. They are the newest member of our coalition and they are a full member in good standing.” Earlier this year a team from the coalition made a site visit at Providence House, interviewed key staff and Board Members, toured the facility and spent several days determining whether Providence House met the standards necessary to be a member in good standing of the statewide coalition. “They obviously passed those hurdles and were fully accepted as a member in April. It was a pleasant and productive visit. The facility is very nice and the staff are working hard to make sure that they understand the dynamics of domestic violence and are meeting the needs of survivors.” Meeks continued.

“Louisiana has had the unfortunate distinction of leading the nation in female homicides for many years,” said Meeks. “Almost 40 domestic violence related homicides have occurred in the first 6 months of 2010 in Louisiana — including 5 homicides in Caddo Parish and 2 homicides in Ouachita Parish. We are keenly aware that citizens in the Shreveport area need and deserve a quality resource that can provide them services, support and education as they address this critical community concern and we are pleased to have Providence House filling that role.”

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