On Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Iris Domestic Violence Center will host its annual gala, Unmasking Domestic Violence, at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge. More than an evening of dinner and music, this signature event is a celebration of resilience—a chance to honor survivors who have endured unimaginable pain while raising the resources necessary to continue offering safety, hope, and healing.
Iris is the largest single-site domestic violence shelter organization in Louisiana, with the capacity to house more than 150 individuals at a time. But the organization’s impact extends far beyond shelter walls. Each year, Iris serves residential and non-residential clients with a wide range of wraparound services, including legal advocacy, children’s programming, counseling, rapid rehousing, transportation, and specialized support for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. Even when the shelter is at capacity, no victim or child is ever turned away—staff and partners always find a way to ensure safety.
The gala serves as both a fundraiser and a beacon of hope. Funds raised directly support Iris’s mission of saying, “Yes, we can help you. Yes, we will keep you safe.” By bringing together community members, advocates, and supporters, the evening highlights the critical role that public awareness and generosity play in helping survivors take their first steps toward rebuilding their lives.
Media coverage of Iris’s work has already inspired many survivors to reach out for help, and the organization is grateful to those who have shared its story. The Unmasking Domestic Violence gala offers another opportunity to shine a light on an issue too often hidden in silence—reminding survivors that they are not alone, and that an entire community stands ready to walk alongside them.
Tickets and sponsorship packages can be purchased online at https://iris.givesmart.com. For more information on sponsorship packages, email Heather Pocic at heatherduke3@yahoo.com.