SHREVEPORT, La. — Domestic violence cases are on the rise in Shreveport, prompting urgent action from city leaders.

Council Chairwoman Tabatha Taylor and Police Chief Wayne Smith hosted a Domestic Violence Awareness & Resource Forum at noon Thursday to tackle the growing crisis head-on.

City officials, advocates and survivors gathered, not just to raise awareness, but to find real solutions to stop domestic violence in Shreveport. The city currently ranks fifth in the nation for domestic violence homicides, and leaders say that must change.

One of the major issues raised was Louisiana’s complex 17-page restraining order policy. Advocates compared it to Arkansas’ simpler two-page process.

Volunteers with Project Celebration say victims often don’t know their rights, or how to get hel

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