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ALERIA'S PROMISE

 

On January 15, 2015, domestic violence became personal to Nu Gamma Omega Chapter when our member, Aleria Cyrus Reed’s, life was ended by her estranged husband.

 

The members of the Chapter experienced sorrow, pain exponentially, and were rudely awakened to the reality of the devastation of domestic violence and domestic violence murder.

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We sensed the urgency for action and committed to not let Aleria’s death be in vain. As a result, Aleria’s Promise, the domestic violence initiative was birthed. Aleria’s promise is a domestic violence initiative that focuses on awareness, education, direct services and prevention programs to end the devastating cycle of domestic violence. 

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Killings tied to domestic violence represented 29 percent of the record 104 homicides in East Baton Rouge Parish last year. Of those, 24 offenders were men, while two were women; 15 involved a gun, three involved a knife, and one involved arson. Without intervention, the actions of domestic violence offenders often accelerate. Roughly 15 of the 20 homicides last year involved those previously reported for domestic violence.

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According to the FBI, a woman is battered every 15 seconds. Louisiana ranks 2nd in the nation for homicides related to domestic abuse. 2-4 million American women are abused each year. White, Black, Hispanic & Non-Hispanic women have equivalent rates of violence committed by intimate partners. Nearly 1/2 of men who abuse their female partners, also abuse their children. Up to 50% of homeless women and children in this country are fleeing domestic violence. Studies show that women face the greatest risk of assault when they leave or threaten to leave their partners or report the abuse to authorities.

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Abuse is a pattern of physical, sexual, economic and/or psychological violence used to get control and maintain control over an intimate partner. It is important to know that you do not deserve to be abused, nor are you responsible for the abuse.

 

For more information or to seek guidance/help, call the hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233)