CURRENT NEWS

Our Instagram feed (linked below) highlights local events and support groups, new resources for crime survivors, and important policy changes that may impact survivors. Scroll down for social links and follow us today!

Check out our Linktree which includes all of the linked articles from our posts.

Visit our dedicated page for RESOURCES for the 1/1/25 Bourbon St. Attack HERE

listen to crime survivors nola talk about where to get help as a survivor or family member after 1/1 bourbon st attack (recorded 1/10/25)

Listen to our own rose preston and erika rajo of umcno talk trauma recovery centers on wbok's morning show! (segment starts at 1:02:00)

Yesterday 9/4 the City of N.O. and DOJ filed a joint motion to end the NOPD Consent Decree in the United States District Court, Eastern District. @fox8nola reported on this yesterday (article linked in bio)... & you can find future updates on the proceedings at the Court's website www.laed.uscourts.gov/ (link also in bio).

If you are a victim-survivor or family member looking up a criminal court case in Orleans Parish online, due to the recent cyberattack (9/4/25) targeting @orleansparishso, at this time DOCKET MASTER is currently offline. We will post updates when we receive them. If you need urgent information on your case, call your victim witness advocate with the @orleansparishda at 504-822-2414.

Did you know the @nolahealthdept has an Office of Violence Prevention? There is free help available for those in Orleans Parish through these programs: Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center (Ages 13+, after experiencing traumatic injury or traumatic loss of a loved one): 504-702-4335 NOLA Peace Ambassadors by @ubuntuvillagenola (Community violence interruption): 504-658-2546 Violence Interruption Program by @cracircles (Schools, Restorative conflict de-escalation) 504-249-5274 ThriveKids Student Wellness Program by @manningchildrens (Schools, Helps kids access mental health and other care): 504-837-7760 Sometimes we all need a little help, especially after we've experienced something traumatic. These programs are run by hospitals and/or community groups, and they're here to help #supportsurvivors because #traumarecoveryisprevention

“One discovers the light in darkness, that is what darkness is for; but everything in our lives depends on how we bear the light. It is necessary, while in darkness, to know that there is a light somewhere, to know that in oneself, waiting to be found, there is a light.” - James Baldwin

Did you know @umcno is the home of Louisiana's first Trauma Recovery Center? Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center at University Medical Center in NOLA helps those impacted by traumatic injury and/or violence. They offer services for those 13 and older, which are free for Orleans Parish residents. In addition to therapy, case management, and legal assistance, they also offer SUPPORT GROUPS (free!) both virtual and in person. SUPPORT GROUPS are alternating Mondays 3:30-4:30pm at UMC's Conference Room A/B (in person) or virtual via zoom. Call 504.702.4335 for more information. The next SUPPORT GROUP date is MONDAY AUGUST 25 and focuses on traumatic bereavement (for loved ones after a traumatic death including violence). You can also visit: www.crimesurvivorsnola.org/support-groups to download the flyer which includes the zoom link. #SupportSurvivors #traumarecoveryisprevention #advocacyheals

We are re-reading this amazing book by Dr. Susan Brison (re-released in 2023) after listening to her interview on Dr. Sally Kenney's Deconstructing Rape podcast. In Aftermath, Brison, a philosophy scholar and professor, chronicles her experience after rape and attempted murder. This is not just a memoir, but a deep dive into the philosophy of trauma, memory, narrative, the self after rape, and the politics of rape. Toward the end of the book, Brison reflects: "Recovery no longer seems to consist of picking up the pieces of a shattered self (or fractured narrative). It's facing the fact that there never was a coherent self (or story) there to begin with. No wonder I can't seem to manage to put myself together again. I'd have to put myself, as the old gag goes, 'together again for the first time.'" Check out Aftermath by Dr. Susan Brison and the Deconstructing Rape podcast @skenneypodcast which includes interviews with many amazing survivors and scholars. You can listen at deconstructingrape.com.

Learn more about our work by visiting our website crimesurvivorsnola.org! Scan the QR code on the image or visit the link in our bio. Visit the “ABOUT” section of our website for more of Rose Preston’s story and how the Crime Survivors Guidebook began. #crimevictim #crimesurvivor #criminaljustice #victimsrights #crime #justice #violentcrime #nolacrime #neworleanscrime #supportsurvivors #traumarecoveryisprevention #advocacyheals

Did you know about Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center at University Medical Center in New Orleans? Quoted from @umcno : “Free of charge to those living in New Orleans, the Trauma Recovery Center is the first of its kind in Louisiana. Rooted in principles of health equity and social justice, the center provides wraparound services to people whose lives have been disrupted by traumatic injury and violent crime. Services are available to any individual (age 13 or older) who has experienced a physical trauma, whether or not they received medical care through University Medical Center. Seeds of NOLA also serves family members and loved ones of those recovering from traumatic injury as well as individuals experiencing traumatic bereavement." For more information call 504.702.4335 or visit https://bit.ly/48cpuRo or see the link in our bio under (under the important links section).

Not sure where to find info or help after you or a loved one experienced violence in New Orleans? Our guide includes: Types of Violence: specific places who may be able to help, based on what type of violence you experienced Criminal Legal System: explains how the criminal legal process works - from reporting a crime through trial Crime Victims' Reparations: a guide to how to apply for state help paying you back for crime-related costs (if you qualify) Support Groups: includes a list of mostly free local support groups - both virtual and in person Crime Victims' Bill of Rights: learn about the rights of Louisiana crime victims Visit www.crimesurvivorsnola.org (link in bio).

Visit our website crimesurvivorsnola.org for: local resources by type of crime/incident, free support groups, and guides to helpful resources like Crime Victims Reparations (financial help with crime-related expenses) and more.

Today for #policyfriday, we're sharing some highlights from a new series from @nolanews and @theneworleansadvocate, reported by Jillian Kramer and Jeff Adelson, on the long criminal trial process homicide victims' family members face after losing their loved ones to violence in New Orleans. This is the first set of articles in a series that will continue throughout this year, and the reporters have done a wonderful job tackling the large-scale issues leading to very long trial waits with a detailed data analysis, while also taking great care in sharing multiple families' stories throughout the process. This is what great, trauma informed, investigative reporting looks like. The series is linked in our bio under "recent posts"!

The July 2025 New Orleans Community Resource Guide is available for download at @imaginewaterworks (linked in our bio under IMPORTANT LINKS) Shout out to the amazing group of volunteers who put out this guide every year! Reach out to @imaginewaterworks or email NOLAresourceguide@gmail.com to learn more, get involved, or support this awesome project.

Did you know about Louisiana's Crime Victims Reparations Program? This program can pay you back for expenses related to a violent crime (if you are eligible). It can help with funeral and medical costs, relocation, therapy, and lost wages. Visit www.crimesurvivorsnola.org/cvr-guide to learn more and who to contact to apply. #supportsurvivors

Did you know @umcno is the home of Louisiana's first Trauma Recovery Center? Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center offers services for those 13 and older and is free for Orleans Parish residents. In addition to therapy, case management, and legal assistance, they also offer SUPPORT GROUPS (free for everyone!) both virtual and in person. SUPPORT GROUPS are alternating Mondays 3:30-4:30pm at UMC's Conference Room A/B (in person) or virtual via zoom. Call 504.702.4335 for more information. Upcoming dates: July 14 & 21*, August 11 & 25*. Dates with * focus on the loss of a loved one / traumatic bereavement. Visit www.crimesurvivorsnola.org/support-groups to download the flyer which includes the zoom link. #supportsurvivors #traumarecoveryisprevention

This #policyfriday: @wadrewhawkins reports for Gulf States Newsroom in partnership with @typeinvestigations: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) perform forensic medical exams for survivors of sexual violence and provide vital patient care and connection with resources, yet "there is a critical shortage of SANEs across the Gulf South." Read the full article linked in our bio under "Recent Posts"! Want to learn more about where to go for a forensic medical exam in the New Orleans area? Visit crimesurvivorsnola.org, click on "Start Here - Types of Violence" and select "Sexual Assault or Rape." #supportsurvivors #traumarecoveryisprevention #advocacyheals

Want to learn more and get involved in discussions about public safety in New Orleans? We're sharing two free upcoming events open to the public: TOMORROW Saturday 6/28 is the Public Safety Summit held by @ocjcnola and partners: -9:30am to 1:30 pm at University Medical Center New Orleans Conference Center -Free parking and food provided -Interactive workshops and discussions -We will be there with other organizations offering community resources & info! Monday 6/30 is the Police Community Advisory Board @1stdistrictpcabnola meeting: -6pm at the Corpus Christi Community Center, 2022 St. Bernard, Room 123 -Topics of discussion include Safe Streets, updates on the Consent Decree and more! #policyfriday #supportsurvivors

Another book on our #summerreading list is from Jens Ludwig: Unforgiving Places: The Unexpected Origins of American Gun Violence. From @uchicagopress: "Disproving the popular narrative that shootings are the calculated acts of malicious or desperate people, Ludwig shows how most shootings actually grow out of a more fleeting source: interpersonal conflict, especially arguments. By examining why some arguments turn tragic while others don’t, Ludwig shows gun violence to be more circumstantial—and more solvable—than our traditional approaches lead us to believe." Just got it in the mail and looking forward to reading it!

Repost from @ocjcnola:📣Announcing the 2025 Public Safety Summit, hosted by @ocjcnola and partners. 📆Saturday, June 28 ⏰9:30AM - 1:30PM 📍University Medical Center | 2000 Canal St ➡️Swipe to see location directions. Join us for interactive workshops with practitioners and advocates to shape public safety solutions, hear directly from young people on their vision for a safer, more just New Orleans, and connect with community resource providers! Breakfast, lunch, and free parking will be provided. All ages welcome! Register at: 🔗bit.ly/nolasummit2025 Want to table? Register at the link in our bio! #nolaocjc #safetyandjustice #rethinkjails #gunviolenceawareness #supportsurvivors #traumarecoveryisprevention #advocacyheals

June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, and TODAY is #wearorange day (wearorange.org). This #policyfriday, we're sharing a recent report from the Council on Criminal Justice. As CCJ explains, $500 million in federal grant cuts are impacting nonprofits and other agencies working to prevent, reduce, and respond to violence. The cuts are impacting grantees in 37 states across the country and focus on: violence prevention, policing and prosecution, victim services, juvenile justice and child protection, substance use and mental health treatment, corrections and re-entry, justice system enhancements, and research and evaluation. Visit the link in our bio to read the full report! As always, visit crimesurvivorsnola.org for helpful resources to #supportsurvivors in the New Orleans area. #gunviolenceawareness

Community Mediation Services announces the release of CRIME SURVIVORS GUIDEBOOK (2nd Ed.) & WEBSITE

Rose PrestonDecember 9, 2019Crime Survivors Guide, Crime Survivors, Survivors, Survivors Guidebook, Book Release, Community Mediation Services, Donnelley Center, Shawn M. Donnelley Center, Rose Preston, Crime Survivors Nola, Survivors Nola, Crime Survivors Guidebook

The New York Times Explores the use of Restorative Justice in Schools

Rose PrestonDecember 9, 2019

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