Community Advocacy
Speaker’s Bureau
Our program has staff available to offer trainings, workshops, and presentations for organizations on the services that we provide. Specific workshops identify the common myths regarding domestic violence, the power and control wheel, the cycle of abuse, the effects of domestic violence on children, and the signs to look for. We also offer ways that you can help if you suspect a friend or relative is in an abusive relationship. We offer programs specifically addressing ways that the clergy can help, teen dating violence, Hands Are Not For Hitting, and the nationally recognized CUT IT OUT Program that is presented to professional salon workers to assist their clientele.
Literature and Educational Materials
The Family Violence Program of St. Bernard, formally St. Bernard Battered Women’s Program Inc., has brochures that are distributed throughout the area. These can be provided upon request for public display at your business, community event, or mailings. Just call our Outreach Advocate at (504) 277-31778 or email us at [email protected] with your request.
Community Events
We have trained staff available to staff booths at events such as a school or job fair as well as health fairs to educate community members on our services and how to access them. See Community Events for ways to help us provide for the needs of the individuals whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence.
Community Education
Teen Dating Violence Prevention
Through our Teen Dating Violence Prevention Workshops participants learn about definitions of abuse, warning signs of an abusive relationship and resources available for those in a violent dating relationship. Presentations and workshops help participants identify the differences between healthy and unhealthy dating relationships and connect youth to services provided by our program. To schedule a workshop, call our Child Advocate at (504) 277-3178.
Batterer Intervention Program (BIP)
BIP services are offered through referrals to Family Violence Program of St. Bernard. The 26-week program teaches participants about the different types of abusive behavior; belief systems that led to abusive behavior; the choice to abuse and the consequences of that abusive behavior; the effects of domestic violence on their partners and children; safety planning to prevent further abuse and other means to break the Cycle of Abuse. Many judges mandate that perpetrators of domestic violence attend these groups.
Outreach Services
Plaquemines Women’s Outreach
Services are offered in Plaquemines Parish through our Outreach Advocates. Services listed are provided for all residents of Plaquemines Parish as well as St. Bernard Parish. Residents from Plaquemines Parish utilize the shelter services provided in St. Bernard Parish. Services are coordinated with the domestic violence unit of the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office (504) 275-6336.
Advocacy and Referrals
In the event an individual does not meet the criteria to receive services from our programs, our staff will make referrals and/or advocate on their behalf at more appropriate facilities.