New Iberia, La (KADN)- Kawana Felix's death serves as a reminder that domestic violence is a real threat... and that shelters can play a key role in saving women's lives.
Louisiana ranks fifth in the nation for domestic homicides.
Executive Director of Chez Hope Cherrise Picard says survivors should know no matter the area, they'll be there to assist survivors in their time of need. "It's always been a goal to open this shelter in this area."
Picard says with this shelter in New Iberia, it will be apartment-style for families through a trauma-informed approach to independent living. "To get back from the fear of someone is going to harm me or I'm scared of my life, or my kids going to see anything. Now they have a place to come here, a safe place to stay."
Sometimes the first question a domestic violence survivor is asked is, why didn't you just leave?
Mariah Wisneski executive director for the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence says for survivors it's not always that easy. "Often times, when they do leave, is when the violence escalates. Sometimes when they leave is when they are killed, unfortunately. So it's not always safe and in fact, the more important question to ask is why these this abuser continue to use violence."
Chez Hope employee and domestic violence survivor, Hannah Roe says going through the experience, she chose to help other survivors, to let them know they have a voice. "I wanted to be a part of the change once I got out of it myself, I had a team behind me in domestic violence. Ready to stand on my own two feet and make sure that everyone is taken care of and it is just a big part of the family I love the most."
Those at the event hope that as more and more shelters are put in communities it will be a game changer, possibly we could see a decrease in domestic violence cases as well as homicides.
If you or anyone you know is dealing with domestic violence... a hotline is waiting for your call around the clock. Just dial the number on your screen for help.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Chez Hope Inc  (337) 828-4200
