Shreveport, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport recently held a Domestic Violence Awareness and Resource Forum at the Police Department headquarters. The forum aimed to address the rising rate of domestic violence-related homicides in the city. Plans are underway to simplify protection order applications and improve resources for victims, including a new Family Justice Center. City officials, including the Police Chief and Clerk of Court, are advocating for changes to enhance victim support and public safety as alarming statistics highlight this critical issue.
Shreveport hosted a Domestic Violence Awareness and Resource Forum at the Shreveport Police Department headquarters on August 7, 2025. The forum is part of an ongoing response to an alarming rise in domestic violence-related homicides in the area. According to Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, approximately one-third of the city’s homicides in 2025 are linked to domestic violence, highlighting a critical public safety issue.
The Shreveport City Council has endorsed efforts to simplify the process for victims to obtain protection orders in response to these rising statistics. Currently, the application for protective orders is a lengthy 17-page document that can deter victims from seeking help. Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Mike Spence indicated that numerous individuals have left the courthouse without filing for protection due to the complexity of the process.
Following the council meeting, Debbie Martin from the North Shreveport Business Association organized a discussion with law enforcement and two Louisiana Supreme Court justices to address the challenges victims face. Justice Jay McCallum conveyed to Martin that the court recognizes the need for a change in the application process.
To facilitate improvements, Spence has been exploring simplified applications used in other states, which generally consist of 5 to 10 pages compared to Louisiana’s existing form. Some states also offer online registration for protection orders, enhancing accessibility for potential applicants.
Plans to implement a new, streamlined process are expected to be in place by July 2026. There are additional measures underway to help victims. Smith and Spence are working towards allowing applicants to complete their applications at police substations and to provide transportation to these locations via city buses. Additionally, a new police substation on North Market will include a meeting room for the Family Justice Center, aimed at assisting domestic violence victims in navigating the application process.
Paralegal students from Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) may potentially staff the Family Justice Center, further supporting victims seeking protection from domestic violence. The need for such measures is evident, as over the August 8-10 weekend alone, Shreveport police reported multiple incidents of domestic violence, resulting in arrests for various offenses, including armed attacks and domestic abuse battery.
One high-profile case involved the arrest of Jacobi Hughes for the second-degree murder of his girlfriend, Kailisa Franklin, marking the ninth domestic violence-related homicide in Shreveport for 2025. As the city faces these pressing issues, local leaders are emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive and accessible environment for victims of domestic abuse, paving the way for more effective intervention and prevention strategies.
Key Initiatives Addressing Domestic Violence in Shreveport
- Streamlined protection order applications expected by July 2026.
- Investment in resources like the Family Justice Center to aid victims.
- Welcome support from law enforcement and community leaders for reform efforts.
- Increasing access to resources through public transportation and online options.
Background and Context
The ongoing rise in domestic violence-related incidents in Shreveport illustrates a critical need for community awareness and legislative change. Efforts to reform the protective order application process reflect a proactive approach to ensuring safety for vulnerable individuals in the community.
FAQs
What was the purpose of the Domestic Violence Awareness and Resource Forum held in Shreveport?
The forum aimed to address the alarming rise in domestic violence-related homicides and to discuss ways to simplify the process for victims to obtain protection orders.
What percentage of Shreveport’s 2025 homicides are linked to domestic violence?
About one-third of Shreveport’s 2025 homicides are linked to domestic violence, according to Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith.
Why is the current application for protective orders a concern for victims?
The lengthy 17-page application can discourage victims from filing, leading many to leave without seeking necessary protection.
When are the plans for a new application process expected to be implemented?
Plans to implement a new process could be in place by July 2026.
What additional resources are being provided to assist domestic violence victims?
A new police substation on North Market will include a meeting room for the Family Justice Center to assist victims in filing applications. Paralegal students from LSUS may also staff this center for further support.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Domestic Violence Victim Protective Order
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- KTBS: Shreveport Leaders Address Downtown Safety
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Prevention
- KTAL News: Arrests Domestic Violence Shreveport
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence Laws
- KSLA: Shreveport Domestic Violence Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.
