Our Misson
To provide safety, dignity and comprehensive support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assualt, and human trafficking, while protecting and empowering their children.
SAFETY. SHELTER. SUPPORT
WHEN YOU'RE READY, WE'RE HERE.
24/7 CRISIS HOTLINE
Immediate protection and crisis response. A safe place to begin again.
Everything that helps survivors move from crisis toward healing and independence.
Battered
Women's Program
1979
Community leaders recognized survivors had nowhere safe to go.
1981
Shelter services formally incorporated.
Capital Area Family Violence Intervention Center Inc.
1982
24 Hour
Crisis Line
24/7 Crisis Hotline established and launched for survivors.
1994
Shelter services unified under one stable organization.
Shelter Services
2013
Publicly became
IRIS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER
TODAY
Help is a Call Away
Nine parishes served for trauma informed care and support.
OUR STORY
from shelter to healing
HISTORY
For nearly 40 years, Iris Domestic Violence Center (formerly operating as Capital Area Family Violence Intervention Center and The Battered Women's Program), a nonprofit domestic violence services organization in Louisiana, has provided professional, compassionate, and empowering support to survivors and their children in the Greater Baton Rouge area and surrounding parishes.
The agency began in 1979 because of a project study called the Commission on the Needs of Women, which performed a city-wide needs assessment on the women in Baton Rouge. In the end, the commissioned survey revealed that one of the largest issues facing women was that of battering and domestic abuse. More importantly, there were no existing services to address this issue.
A Board of Directors was formed in 1979 with the purpose of opening an emergency shelter for battered women and their dependent children in Baton Rouge, and the Capital Area Family Violence Intervention Center, Inc. (CAFVIC, Inc.) was created. The shelter first opened its doors to survivors in February of 1981. After training the first Battered Women’s Program volunteers in January, a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week crisis phone line became operational in early 1982.
Currently, Iris operates a 24-Hour Crisis Response Hotline and an emergency safe house shelter. Iris offers safety planning, advocacy, information, and referral services and provides legal representation for individuals seeking personal protective orders against abusers.
We offer community outreach and education on the nature of domestic violence and its physical, emotional, and psychological impact on its victims. Iris offers trauma-informed care to qualified victims of domestic abuse, family or relationship violence, and their dependent children.
Services are offered in a nondiscriminatory manner, confidentially, and are free of charge.
Voices of iris
— Patti Joy Freeman
"Today we serve nine Louisiana parishes and can provide emergency shelter to more than 170 adults and children at one time at our secure campus. "
— Community Volunteer
"You will step into people's lives and make a difference. You will plant seeds... You will never cease to be amazed at people's capacity for love, courage, and endurance. Iris is a great organization to support in Louisiana "
— Survivor
"I didn’t know where to start. They listened without judgment and helped me make a plan that fit my situation."
Katrina hawkins
Finance Director
OLETHIA NORMAN
Managing Director
michelle white
Partnerships Director
Kimberly adams
Client Services Director
PAtti JOY Freeman
Executive Director
priscila ray
Legal Services Director
Our Team
The Hearts Behind the Mission
JOIN OUR TEAM
BE PART OF THE CHANGE.
At Iris Domestic Violence, we believe every person deserves to live free from violence, fear, and abuse. Our team is committed to providing compassionate support, safety, and resources to survivors and their families.
If you are passionate about helping others, creating meaningful change, and strengthening our community, we invite you to explore opportunities to join our team. Together, we can help create safer tomorrows.
ElLIE Kousoulas
VICE PRESIDENT
Elena “Ellie” Kousoulas, Esq. Board Member, Iris Domestic Violence Center Elena Kousoulas—known to many simply as Ellie—brings to the Iris Domestic Violence Center a unique journey and a perspective that challenges assumptions about who domestic violence affects. A graduate of a respected high school, Elena went on to earn her law degree from Louisiana State University, demonstrating early on her commitment to education, justice, and service. Although her path has not followed the more common trajectories associated with domestic violence, Ellie understands firsthand how isolation, stigma, and silence can affect those who seem “invisible.” It is this understanding that motivates her work with Iris: she joined the Board of Directors to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and expand community support for Iris’s mission. Ellie hopes to connect deeply with survivors—especially those who feel unseen—and with members of the broader community who may not realize how widespread, hidden, or complex domestic violence can be. She strives to be a voice, an advocate, and a bridge—believing strongly that Iris supports individuals and families just like hers. As Ellie continues her own journey toward strength and healing, she looks forward to working collaboratively with the Iris team and Board—amplifying her own voice while helping to empower others.
barbara zellmer
SECRETARY
Social Worker at Pace Baton Rouge. Barbara Zellmer has spent the past 30 plus years as a social worker focusing on the needs of the elderly. In addition to her employment with PACE Baton Rouge she has served on multiple committees for Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area as well as being a past board member of the LSU museum. Barbara graduated from Tulane University with a master’s degree in Social Work.
heather duke pocic
PRESIDENT
Registered Nurse. Heather was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She graduated from University Laboratory School in 2013. She then went on to receive her bachelors of science in nursing (BSN) from Louisiana State University of New Orleans in 2017. She worked as an elementary school nurse before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Heather is married to Ethan Pocic and they have three children.
Casey HIcks
BOARD MEMBER
Chief Administrative Deputy/Public Information Director East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff. Casey Rayborn Hicks has served the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department since December of 2007. She currently serves as the agency’s Chief Administrative Deputy overseeing Public Information, Computer Operations, Digital Evidence, Criminal Records & Analysis, Policy and Legal operations. She also serves as the agency’s liaison for the agency with business, community and government partners. As Public Information Director she serves as spokesperson for the office and oversees all community relations efforts. In addition to community and media relations, she produces office publications and presentation materials, oversees outreach efforts and runs the agency social media. She manages external and internal communications for the office by communicating with the media and special interest groups using a variety of formats to inform the public of critical safety incidents, help investigative divisions through soliciting tips and promoting and honoring those within the office to support a positive relationship between the public and the agency. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from LSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. She served for several years as the Public Information Officer and Multimedia Archives Director for the Louisiana Secretary of State before earning her Master’s Degree from LSU in Mass Communication in Public Relations. During her time at LSU she served as Community/Faculty Partner Liaison for the Center for Community Engagement Learning and Leadership. She has also served as an adjunct professor for LSU’s Manship College of Mass Communication teaching Media and Public Relations Writing. She specializes in public relations and political communication, particularly in public information and law enforcement. She also has extensive training in crisis communication, writing and media relations. In addition to her work at the Sheriff’s Office, she has served on the Crime Stoppers board and the I CARE Advisory Board, is a member of many professional organizations including Public Relations Association of Louisiana, Women in Media, National Information Officers Association, Press Club, The Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition, and others. Women in Media presented her with the Award of Excellence in Public Relations in 2009 and the Public Relations Association of Louisiana named her the 2009 Practitioner of the Year. The Sheriff’s Office awarded her Support Services Deputy of the Year for 2022.
board of directors
Denise Simoneaux
BOARD MEMBER
Denise Simoneaux is the Marketing Manager for Bartlett Group/Excel Modular Scaffold. As a member of the Iris Domestic Violence Center's Board of Directors, Denise Simoneaux hopes to contribute significantly to the center through the utilization of her marketing, graphic design, and event coordination knowledge and expertise. Driven by a deeply ingrained belief that those with the ability to help should seize every opportunity to do so, Simoneaux is dedicated to leveraging her skillset to further the Center's mission. By serving on the development committee, she is committed to creating impactful marketing strategies, designing engaging visuals, and helping coordinate events that drive both awareness and necessary funding.
Leading our Response
Hannah Duke
BOARD MEMBER
Hanna Duke earned her J.D. and Comparative Law Degree from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Shortly after passing the Louisiana Bar, she founded her own law firm, where she focuses on Estate Planning, Business Transactions, and Manufactured Housing Law. In addition to her legal practice, Hanna brings years of experience in governmental relations across both the public and private sectors. She interned with Congressman Garret Graves in both his Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C. offices, gaining valuable insight into the federal legislative process, including disaster relief, insurance regulation, and other key policy areas. On the private side, Hanna has worked with Duke Firm, Inc., a governmental affairs company that offers services in lobbying, crisis management, consulting, and association management. Her work spans a wide range of industries, including entertainment, healthcare, insurance, recycling, manufacturing and more. Hanna’s diverse experience has equipped her with deep knowledge of the state legislative process, legislative drafting and testimony, advanced legal research, public policy development, and strategic advocacy—making her a strong and effective advisor in both legal and governmental matters.
Alexzene Banker
BOARD MEMBER
Civic Leader/Volunteer. Alexene has served in capacities as both a volunteer advocate and on the Board of Directors of Iris Domestic Violence Center for over 30 years. AI has helped head the Iris Chef's Show Off, serving as co-chair of the silent auction for 23 years. AI resides in Ascension Parish where she is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints. She has served as the president of the women's program, and the Young Women's presidency, and in the presidency of the Primary Organization. Additionally, she has helped lead fundraising efforts for the Boy Scouts of America, alongside her husband who serves on the Scout Committee.
OFFICERS
MEMBERS
Kasie J. Coleman
BOARD MEMBER
Kasie Coleman brings more than a decade of experience in the insurance, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries, with a proven record of helping senior citizens and families improve their well-being through personalized solutions. Her passion for service led her to volunteer for three years at the Iris Domestic Violence Center, where she gained a deep understanding of the needs of survivors and their children—not only from a logistical perspective but also through empathy, consistency, and purpose. Following her volunteer work, Kasie joined the Iris Board of Directors, where she continues to advocate for survivors, champion sustainable resources, and advance the organization’s mission. She is deeply committed to fostering long-term healing, empowerment, and dignity for all those impacted by domestic violence.
Latrice Pinkins
BOARD MEMBER
Owner of Wink Your Eyes Salon. Latrice Pinkins has run this premier salon in Louisiana that specializes exclusively in eyelashes since 2009. Before Latrice established this beauty brand she was a journalist. She attended Southern University and A&M College and worked her way up to being the Managing Editor of The Southern DIGEST, the campus newspaper. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Print Journalism she went on to receive her Master of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations. Latrice was ready for whatever Journalism had to offer. She had internships and employment with various news outlets including: The Advocate (Baton Rouge), NY Times, and Cumulus Media. Then one day she decided to do something different. Currently WINK has two locations, one in Baton Rouge and another in New Orleans. Latrice attributes much of her long standing success to her great working relationship with her sister, Drenica Pinkins, who serves as the company’s business manager.
Kyle Hanna
BOARD MEMBER
Captain Kyle Hanna Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Captain Kyle Hanna brings nearly three decades of distinguished service in law enforcement to the Board of Directors of the Iris Domestic Violence Center. A lifelong Louisianan, he graduated from St. Amant High School in 1986 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University in 1991. From 1989 to 1995, Captain Hanna served in the Louisiana Army National Guard, including four years as a member and instructor at the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, where he developed leadership skills that have guided his professional career. Captain Hanna joined the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office in 1997, beginning as a corrections deputy and quickly advancing through the ranks. Over his 28 years of service, he has worked across multiple divisions, including uniformed patrol, criminal investigations, and juvenile services. His leadership roles have included Detective Sergeant, Detective Staff Sergeant, Division Commander, and Programs/Community Outreach Commander. He has overseen investigations ranging from violent crimes and sex crimes to financial crimes, while also supervising school resource officers, sex offender registration, and domestic violence investigations. Since 2021, Captain Hanna has commanded both the Domestic Violence Unit and the Sex Offender Registration Unit, where his expertise and commitment directly align with Iris’s mission to protect and empower survivors. His dedication to justice, public safety, and community partnership makes him a valued leader and advocate on the Iris Board of Directors.
Kristi Marionneaux
TREASURER
Director in the Consulting Services Group at Postlethwaite and Netterville. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a Master of Science, Accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Global Management Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. Kristi has over 13 years of experience in providing outsourced accounting services and internal audit-based projects including operational, financial, and compliance audits, internal control reviews, risk analysis and best practice reviews. She is a resident of West Baton Rouge Parish with her husband and two children.
Langley McClay, Ph.D.
BOARD MEMBER
Director of Pre-College Programs, K-16 Change Agent, Professional Learning Specialist Louisiana State University Dr. Langley McClay is an experienced educator, researcher, and former school leader with a demonstrated history in the education and professional learning industry as well as in diversity and inclusion. Langley is skilled in research associated with organizational systems, experiences, secondary & post-secondary partnerships, transitions, socialization practices, leadership preparation and work-role experiences. Mastery in mixed methods research practices such as survey research, case studies, narrative inquiry and ethnographies (specializing in focus groups, one-on-one interviews, field study observations, and article analysis).
L’Jean McKneely
BOARD MEMBER
BOARD MEMBER
Lieutenant/Public Information Officer Baton Rouge Police Department Lieutenant L’Jean “Geno” McKneely is 22-year veteran with the Baton Rouge Police Department who has worked in the Public Information Office for 17 years. He is from Baker, La and has been a lifelong resident of East Baton Rouge Parish. L’Jean spends time volunteering for several non-profit organizations and has a special interest in special needs individuals and domestic violence awareness.
PRESIDENT
Through this partnership, survivors are
connected to a coordinated system of :
No one organization can do this work alone. Partnership matters.
Care
Advocacy
Education
Support across Louisiana
Stronger Together
Strong partnerships and shared standards help ensure survivors receive safe, professional and compassionate care.
Iris Domestic Violence Center is proud to be a member of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence LCADV the federally designated statewide network of domestic violence programs.
LCADV member organizations are committed to:
Trauma-informed care
Professional training and support
Survivor-centered practices
Collaboration and coordinated reponses
Ongoing learning and best practices
Community Partners Make Healing Possible
Together, partnerships help create pathways to safety, healing, health, and hope.
For our Partners
LEARN MORE
Iris Domestic Violence provides coordinated, wraparound services for individuals and families experiencing domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crisis situations.