Panel Discussion on Escaping Domestic Violence

March 22, 2024

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Delgado Community College held a panel discussion at the City Park Campus to raise awareness about the epidemic of domestic violence and available resources for leaving domestic violence situations. The event was geared to Delgado students, faculty and staff and sponsored by Delgado’s Opportunity Youth Initiative program. 

Federal Judge Jay Zainey moderated the panel, which was comprised of Dr. Trashanda Grayes, Executive Director of New Orleans Family Justice Center; Municipal Judge Mark Shea; Michael Groetsch, former Orleans probation officer and author of He Promised He'd Stop: Helping Women Find Safe Passage from Abusive Relationships; Jo Ballanco, MSW, court-appointed mental health therapist for perpetrators and Municipal Judge Joseph Landry.

“Domestic violence is a recognized hindrance to pursuing education. Delgado continuously strives to remove barriers to excellence and promote student retention, so we organized the panel to help empower students to get out of danger and into a better life,” said Liza Sherman, Opportunity Youth Initiative Director.

“The only way we can stop the cycle of domestic violence is by helping people to help themselves,” said Judge Jay Zainey. “If you are a victim of domestic violence, or if you know someone who might be a victim, please reach out.”  

The panel provided facts and statistics about domestic violence, described behaviors and relationship patterns that are present in or may lead to domestic violence situations, analyzed profiles of perpetrators, explained legal steps and processes for domestic violence cases, discussed treatment methods for perpetrators and identified resources available for victims.

Dr. Larissa Littleton-Steib, Delgado Chancellor, said, “The safety and success of our students is top priority at Delgado Community College. Our mission is to lead the way in addressing issues that impact our students inside and outside of the classroom. I am extremely proud of our caring faculty and staff and grateful to our community partners for sharing their expertise on such an important social topic.”

Watch the video of the panel discussion at https://youtu.be/PDVRWBSOvnU.