Difference Makers: Non-profit devoted to domestic violence victims for nearly 40 years

A local non-profit has been where victims of domestic and dating violence have turned for nearly 40 years.

The Iris Domestic Violence Center serves Ascension, East and West Baton Rouge, East and West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee and Livingston Parishes.

The organization’s mission is to empower survivors, prevent relationship violence, and promote justice for victims of domestic and dating violence, their children, and their communities.

Iris provides a 24-hour crisis line, housing, counseling, legal services, and much more. The crisis line numbers are (225) 389-3001 or (800) 541-9706.

Iris has a new executive director who has experience with domestic violence cases.

Patti Freeman recently retired from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. She served more than 28 years specializing in domestic violence investigations.

Freeman created and supervised the domestic violence unit at EBRSO. During her time, Freeman worked with the uniform patrol division, the sex offender unit, and general detectives division investigating sex crimes and crimes against children and the elderly.

Iris is hosting its annual fundraiser event on Oct. 27 at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. The event will have a silent auction, live music and more.

To purchase a ticket visit https://www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/UnmaskingDomesticViolence