Enough is Enough: Southern University holds “Fight for your life” Domestic Violence event

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another partner. It can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or psychological. Louisiana ranks 2nd in the nation for domestic violence homicides.
On October 4, The Horace W. Moody Intramural Sports Complex held “Fight for your Life” in conjunction with Collegiate 100 women, Miss Southern University, AmeriHealth Caritas, and Kharles Bistro. The event kicked off with a presentation of legal advice from district attorneys specializing in domestic violence. The group discussed the patterns and warning signs at come with Domestic abuse as well as why the subject is so important.
Anjelica Torrance, Assistant District Attorney, domestic violence said “I think it’ll better help the students by creating awareness and having an open conversation that can invite students to talk about this issue that isn’t commented on a lot.”
On a typical day, domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 21,000 calls, an average of almost 15 calls.
“Domestic violence is one of the largest calls we have reported through out the year and the leading cause amongst African Americans without death in the state of Louisiana,” said Terrance Nolan, corporal baton rouge department community services division officer, “So for us to try and reduce this we have to gather all the information so they can identify what the problem is and if they are a victim of domestic violence hopefully they can use the resources we have provided for them to help them in their case.”
After the presentation the students preceded with the officers into the gym where they were shown different tactics to use in violent situations. Students felt the defense moves to be very useful.
“I learned a lot and I feel as if the advice and the defense moves were very informative,” Said Jasmine Green, junior English major from Chicago, Illinois,” This has always been a serious issue and I’m glad that the officers and attorneys came to offer their help on how to address the situation if your ever put into one.”
Fight for your life ended with a few closing remarks from miss southern and great appreciation. In case of an emergency devise a safety plan, stay away from weapons and small spaces, and call 911.