24-Hour Crisis Line

Our Crisis Line number is (504) 277-3177 however, you may also call the Louisiana Statewide Hotline Number at 1-(888) 411-1333 and the call will be routed to the nearest domestic violence program. If you are calling from a cell phone, the call will be routed to the nearest domestic violence program where the cell phone was activated.

The Crisis Line is the first step in receiving services through our programs and/or referrals to our partner agencies. Trained staff will assist you in finding ways to be safe and be prepared to leave when the time is right. The Crisis Line provides a 24-hour safety net for victims of domestic violence and their families through crisis intervention, emergency shelter, transportation, and referral services. Services focus on providing emotional support, safety planning, domestic violence education, information and referrals and one-on-one assistance with accessing resources to become self-sufficient.

Safety Planning

A safety plan helps you think of strategies for keeping safe while you are in an abusive relationship, when you are ready to leave the relationship and after you have left. Call our hotline at (504) 277-3177 to receive help building a personalized safety plan.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE RELATIONSHIP

Safety during an attack or confrontation:

  • When an argument begins, try to have it in a room or area where you have access to an exit. Try to stay away from the bathroom, garage, kitchen or near weapons or anywhere else where weapons might be available.
  • Practice how to get out of your home safely. Identify which doors, windows, elevator or stairwell would be best.
  • Identify a friend or neighbor you can tell about the violence and ask them to call 911 if they hear a disturbance coming from your house.
  • Think about a list of safe people to contact; memorize contact numbers including our hotline.
  • Figure out a code word you can use with your children, friends and family to let them know when to call the police.
  • Plan where you will go if you have to leave your house (even if you don’t think you are going to need it).
  • Use your own judgment and feelings. If the situation is dangerous, consider giving the abuser what they want to calm them down.

Safety when preparing to
leave:

  • Open a savings account and/or get a credit card in your own name. Get your own post office box so that you can receive mail and checks.
  • Leave money, an extra set of keys, copies of important papers, extra medicine and clothes with someone you can trust so you can leave quickly.
  • Determine who would be able to let you stay with them or lend you some money.
  • Call our advocates for help in safety planning and inquire about how to get an emergency 911 phone.
  • Save and document all contacts, messages, injuries or other incidents involving the batterer.
  • Keep our Crisis Line number: (504) 277-3177 with you. Keep some change with you for emergency calls. Using a calling card is not safe.

ONCE YOU HAVE LEFT THE RELATIONSHIP

Safety in your home:

  • Change the locks on the doors as soon as possible. Buy additional locks for your windows and also the patio door.
  • Talk to your children about a safety plan when you are not with them.
  • Tell your children’s school or daycare who has permission to pick up the children.
  • Tell your neighbors and your landlord that your partner no longer lives with you and that they should call the police if they see your partner near your home.
  • Never call your partner from your home. If they have Caller ID they will be able to locate you.

Safety with a protective order:

  • Keep your protective order with you at all times. When you change your purse that should be the FIRST thing that goes into it. Give a copy to a trusted friend or family member.
  • Call our Court Advocate for more information about getting a protective order.
  • Call the police immediately if your partner breaks the protective order, for any reason.
  • Think of ways to keep safe if the police don’t come right away.
  • Tell your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, landlord and health care provider that you have a protective order.

Safety at work and in public:

  • Decide which co-workers you can tell about your situation. Include office or building security.
  • Provide a picture of your partner if you have one.
  • Arrange to have an answering machine, caller ID or someone screen calls for you.
  • Vary your routine.
  • Have a safety plan to use when you leave work. Ask someone to walk you to your car, bus or train. Use a different way to go home. Think of what you would do if something happened on the way home.

Safety and emotional help:

  • If you are thinking of going back to your abusive partner, talk to someone you trust first about another option.
  • If you have to communicate with your partner, do it in public or on the telephone.
  • Have positive thoughts about yourself. Be assertive with other people about what you need..
  • Decide whom you can call to talk openly and who can give you the support you need.
  • Plan to attend a women’s or victims’ support group for at least 2 weeks to gain support from others and to learn more about the effects of abuse and control.
  • Call our Case Managers for more information about individual or group counseling for you and your child(ren).

Important items to take when you leave:

  • Identification
  • Social security cards
  • Birth certificates
  • Children’s birth certificates

  • Money
  • Medications
  • Keys
  • Marriage license

  • Checkbook
  • Charge cards/debit cards
  • Bank statements
  • Proof of income

Emergency Shelter

Our program provides emergency shelter of 45+ days in our residential facility. Transportation is provided by the referring agency if needed. Residents set goals and objectives and work towards meeting those goals. Prior to the end of the 45 days, an extension may be requested for a longer stay to accomplish goals. In addition to shelter, residents are provided food, clothing, and other personal care items as needed.

Over the years our program has sheltered thousands of survivors whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence. Our residential facility consists of eight one-bedroom apartments that includes a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Our facility also has a TV room, a children’s playroom, meeting rooms, a playground, a laundry room, and a computer lab. There is a security gate to access the property which is also monitored by security cameras.

Legal/Court Advocacy

Court Advocates provide assistance to victims of domestic violence in exercising their legal rights under the Louisiana Revised Statutes relative to domestic violence. Court Advocates inform victims of their legal options and assist them in pursuing the option that provides the most safety to them and their children. While this includes filing for Orders of Protection in civil court and advocating for the victim to receive the Protective Order, it also includes advocating for victims to secure Louisiana Crime Victims Reparation Program victim compensation. The Court Advocate also assists in providing linkage to legal representation through Southeast Louisiana Legal Services for legal representation in court and also assistance in obtaining a divorce, child custody, child support, and other benefits protected by the Violence Against Women Act. For more information, contact our Court Advocate at (504) 277-3177, Ext. 210.

A Protective Order prohibits a perpetrator from committing further acts of domestic violence, harassing or threatening the victim or their friends and relatives, and from going to the school or day-care where the child(ren) attend.