The Wellspring hosted the Richland Parish SAFER Task Force meeting on Feb. 10 at the Richland Parish Courthouse in Rayville.
The quarterly meeting focused on stalking, which organizers described as a serious and often misunderstood crime involving repeated, unwanted attention or harassment that causes fear or distress in a victim. Examples can include persistent phone calls or messages, following someone in public, or monitoring online activity.
Organizers noted that stalking is not limited to strangers, and many victims know the person involved, which can make the situation more difficult to report.
During the meeting, The Wellspring also introduced its My Community Cares program as a resource for anyone caring for children younger than 18. The program is designed to strengthen families, community members and agencies by helping connect them with quality services and support.
According to The Wellspring, the program works to promote child and family well-being and help prevent children from entering the foster care system.
Through the initiative, children, families and community members can build relationships, share experiences and support one another while strengthening community resilience.
The SAFER Task Force, which stands for Stopping Abusive Family Environments Rural Services, meets quarterly throughout the region to address the needs of individual parishes.
For more information about the task force or its next meeting, contact Beverly Parker at [email protected] or 318-412-0226.
Anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking or sexual assault may contact The Wellspring during business hours at 318-412-0226. A 24-hour crisis hotline is also available at 318-323-1505.
