By Veronica White
Posted: Jul 12, 2010 1:05 PM
Updated: Jul 12, 2010 6:10 PM
After two deaths from domestic violence last week right here in Acadiana, one crisis shelter is speaking out.
Two women killed through domestic violence within 24 hours is a shock to Faith House, a local crisis shelter for abused women and children.
"it very much scares us because it's preventable-- that's what we try to educate women, there's a way out. the abuser isolates her to believe this is normal and acceptable," says Jody Harris of Faith House.
Louisiana has the highest female homicide rate in the U.S., according to recent FBI research.
The offenders are mostly male, and most, a current or former intimate partner.
Faith House says domestic violence impacts the entire family.
"it's important to get out of the situation. 9 out of 10 times if they stay, their daughters will stay, their sons will abuse, and that's where the problem comes in," says abuse survivor turned Faith House advocate Brandy Walker.
In stressful times, it only gets worse.
"In times of crisis, like this oil spill, you'll see a rise in domestic abuse. When unemployment rates are higher, anything involving stress to that household, you'll see domestic abuse rates escalate," says Jody Harris.
Faith House constantly sees full or almost full capacity at their shelter, and they say they serve more than 2000 women and children per year at their Acadiana offices.
If you need help getting away from abuse, you can call Acadiana Faith House at 232-8954 or the crisis line at 800-411-1333.
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