[StBernard] St. Bernard cracking down on domestic abuse

[Westley Annis]

St. Bernard cracking down on domestic abuse

by Monica Hernandez / Eyewitness News
wwltv.com
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 6:26 PM


CHALMETTE, La. -- Officials in a local parish believe their efforts to
combat domestive violence, prompted by an alarming increase in domestic
shootings and homicides in 2008 and 2009, appear to be working.

The St. Bernard Sheriff's Office launched the campaign in October 2009,
following four domestic violence related shooting deaths in a 16-month
period. It used a grant aimed at helping the agency follow through on cases
more efficiently.

"They say domestic violence homicides are probably the most difficult to
prevent, but I didn't buy in to that," said St. Bernard Cheif Deputy Sheriff
Jimmy Pohlmann. "I said, 'There's something that we have do to. We have to
do more.'"

The campaign is part of a joint effort with St. Bernard Battered Women's
Shelter to help get victims out of abusive situations. Sheriff's officials
say they make it a point to give information about the shelter to victims of
domestic abuse.

The Sheriff's Office also named one detective to oversee all domestic
violence cases for the first time since Hurricane Katrina.

"I think it's a huge impact that we have that relationship going, a lot of
places don't, there doesn't exist a partnership there," said Gail Gowland,
executive director for the shelter.

Sheriff's officials say there hasn't been a domestic violence related death
since the partnership began. And while the number of domestic disturbance
calls has remained relatively stable, officials say major domestic
violence-related injuries have dropped drastically .

But whether that's directly related to the year-old program is hard to say. 

"Whether or not it had an impact on the level of violence we see today, who
knows, but I hope so, because we're trying to do our part to prevent any
type of domestic violence cases," said Pohlmann.

Still, Gowland said she continues to see a steady flow of victims from
attacks so violent, they require medical attention.

"I think the economy has a lot to do with it. The oil spill, particularly in
St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parish, has something to do with it," said
Gowland. "That stress erupts into domestic violence."

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, the Battered
Womens Shelter may be able to help. That number is 504-277-3177.