Shreveport, LA, September 23, 2025

News Summary

Shreveport law enforcement and community organizations convened for a Domestic Violence Awareness and Resource Forum to address a significant rise in domestic violence cases and related fatalities. The gathered officials aim to simplify the protective order application process, currently a lengthy 17 pages, to better assist victims. With statistics revealing over 1,400 cases recorded in 2025 and a notable link between domestic violence and homicides, this forum emphasized a collaborative community approach to combat the issue effectively.

Shreveport Hosts Domestic Violence Awareness and Resource Forum Amid Rising Cases

Shreveport law enforcement and various organizations gathered for the Domestic Violence Awareness and Resource Forum at the Shreveport Police Department headquarters on August 7, 2025. The forum was organized in response to an alarming increase in domestic violence cases and related homicides. So far in 2025, Shreveport has recorded over 1,400 domestic violence cases, according to city officials. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith indicated that approximately one-third of the city’s homicides this year are linked to domestic violence.

During the forum, the Shreveport City Council announced support for initiatives aimed at simplifying the currently complex protective order application process for domestic violence victims. The existing application spans 17 pages, making it daunting for victims and often leading them to abandon the process altogether. Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Mike Spence remarked that the lengthy application can overwhelm victims, creating a significant barrier to legal protection.

Efforts to streamline the application process are gaining traction, with Debbie Martin from the Northwest Louisiana Family Justice Center organizing a follow-up meeting with law enforcement officials and two Louisiana Supreme Court judges to discuss potential revisions. According to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jay McCallum, the court is responsive to community concerns regarding the protective order process. There are discussions around possibly introducing a shorter, 4-page application form—drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in New York and Kentucky—as well as the implementation of online registration options, which were successful in a pilot program in Kansas.

Additional efforts are being made to enhance access to protective order applications. The city plans to establish a process at Shreveport Police Department substations and utilize city buses to facilitate transportation for victims seeking assistance. A new police substation will also feature a dedicated room for the Family Justice Center to better support domestic violence victims.

The Domestic Violence Awareness Forum was also a platform for community partners to provide crucial information on available victim services, legal support, and intervention programs. There is a consensus among participants about the necessity of a collaborative approach involving law enforcement, service providers, and the wider community to effectively combat domestic violence.

Statistics indicate that Shreveport ranks among the top five U.S. cities for domestic violence-related homicides, with approximately 2,600 calls for help registered in the previous year. The ongoing efforts by local authorities and organizations show a commitment to addressing this significant public safety issue and ensuring that victims receive the support and resources they need.

Key Facts Overview

• Date of Forum: August 7, 2025
• Current Domestic Violence Cases in 2025: 1,400+
• Homicides Related to Domestic Violence: 1/3 of homicides in Shreveport
• Current Protective Order Application Length: 17 pages
• Proposed Application Length: 4 pages
• Calls for Help Last Year: 2,600
• Shreveport’s Rank: Among top five U.S. cities for domestic violence-related homicides

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Additional Resources

• KSLA: Shreveport Police Hold Domestic Violence Forum
• KTAL: Shreveport Domestic Violence Forum
• KTBS: Shreveport Leaders Discuss Domestic Violence Solutions
• KSLA: Domestic Violence Forum After Rise in Cases
• Wikipedia: Domestic Violence

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.