(The Center Square) – The Shreveport City Council passed a resolution showing support for the Louisiana Supreme Court’s efforts in rewriting and simplifying the Louisiana Uniform Abuse Prevention Order Form, which is currently 17 pages long, on Tuesday.
“Victims should not face the burden of a 17-page form when they are fighting for their safety,” said Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor in a release. “This resolution is about removing barriers and ensuring that survivors of domestic violence can access protection quickly and without fear of bureaucracy standing in their way.”
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith also showed his support. He met with three Supreme Court justices and expressed the concerns both the council and the department have. The Shreveport Police Department is in the process of getting a letter of support out, along with other partnering agencies.
Sex crimes and domestic incidents have been a top priority among Shreveport officials, and recent crime reports show the cases are slightly on the rise.
The Police Department reported 1,462 domestic incidents during last month’s crime update with sex crimes trending upwards over the past few months.
“Domestic violence victims need swift, simple access to protective measures. Simplifying this process is not only common sense, it’s lifesaving,” said council member Jim Taliaferro.
If a victim of domestic violence needs protection as of now, they must complete a 17 page form, which many believe is concerning, complex and an “unnecessary barrier” for those involved in a crisis. The Shreveport City Council included in their letter of support that the form be reduced to a maximum of four pages.
They believe this not only makes the process more accessible, but that is also makes it less intimidating.
“This resolution is an important step in showing that Shreveport stands with victims and is willing to advocate for change at the state level,” said Council member Grayson Boucher. “We are grateful to our Clerk of Court and partners who are carrying this work forward.”
