Please note: This post contains descriptions of domestic violence.
As an employee at JOB1 Workforce Development in New Orleans, Tya Rogers often helps people seeking employment and resources, including connecting the public with the Family Justice Center — a JOB1 partner that assists those impacted by domestic violence. But this past fall, the tables were turned for Tya, who found herself at a loss on how to seek assistance for herself following an abusive incident at home.
A widow and single mother, Tya met her then boyfriend during Mardi Gras 2025. During an argument the following September, Tya was astonished by how quickly the confrontation turned physical — the first for the couple. Throughout more than three hours, she was punched, thrown into a wall and bitten on her fingers. Scared for her life, Tya was intent on leaving the house and never returning. She fought to ensure she would see her nine-year-old son again.
Following her escape and a police standoff with her abuser, Tya began her journey to reach out for help and navigate a path towards healing and freedom. Tya was referred to Project SAVE, which provides legal representation to survivors of domestic violence residing in Orleans Parish. Project SAVE attorney Joan Miller helped Tya bring the case against her abuser to trial, working with the court to issue a permanent protective order. Tya’s abuser is currently incarcerated, awaiting charges related to violating his parole.
Tya’s story is a clear indication that domestic violence wears many faces. It’s also evident that Tya’s story of abuse does not define her; she vowed it would be a one-time occurrence, committing to following all Joan’s guidelines, meetings and paperwork.
“Don’t be afraid to start over. That’s the number one thing that gets people stuck — situations like leaving, moving, relocating, a better job. People don’t like starting over,” Tya said.
“If you lived here post-Katrina, you know what it is like to start over. One day you left with a backpack and came back and there was nothing left but a slab. You are strong enough to rebuild or have it even better than you started with. You just have to have that mindset that it is okay.”
As Tya concludes this difficult chapter of her life, she looks forward to starting each new day with a simple good morning to her son.
If you need help or know someone who does, call Project SAVE at (504) 310-6872.
