U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Gathe, Jr. joins the U.S. Department of Justice, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), advocates, survivors, victim service providers, justice professionals, police and first responders, and communities across the U.S. in observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). 

Domestic violence is more prevalent than many realize. The devastating consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime. Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience severe domestic violence in their lifetimes; however, rates are disproportionately higher for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, women of Color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and two-spirit people, and people with disabilities. DVAM provides an opportunity to spread awareness about domestic violence and encourage everyone to play a role in ending gender-based violence.

“Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity for our Office to remind the community that we are here and available to support victims and survivors of the Middle District of Louisiana,” said U.S. Attorney Gathe.  “Often times, the community may not know we are here to assist in these matters. We look forward to working with our local partners to strengthen our community’s awareness of available resources.”

Keeping guns out of the hands of violent offenders is a priority both locally and nationwide. Statistics indicate that domestic violence offenders who have access to firearms are five times more likely to kill their partners than those who do not have access to a firearm. Under federal law, it is unlawful for anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or subject to a protective order to buy a gun.  It is also against the law for offenders to possess, carry, or shoot firearms. The penalty for violating Federal firearms prohibitions is up to ten years imprisonment.

In September 2020, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Louisiana developed a screening and referral process to identify domestic violence cases appropriate for federal prosecution. Through this initiative, our office works closely with state and local agencies to prioritize the prosecution of offenders subject to federal firearms prohibitions, and to train law enforcement on these and other federal domestic violence crimes.