Official organizations that offer help include the NOPD, the District Attorney’s office, Chaplains, the Sheriff’s office, and Coroner’s office.

NOPD VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE UNIT

Currently, the NOPD has a team of advocates assigned to the Victim Witness Assistance Unit, which includes social workers located at police headquarters and also at the 5th, 6th and 7th district police stations.

• This Unit should inform you of your rights as a victim, answer questions you may have, and help prepare you for what’s to come.

• They can make referrals, and inform you of updates on an investigation.

• They should also provide you with forms to fill out, such as the Louisiana Victim Notice and Registration Form. You can also register online with Louisiana Vine, which provides notifications on the custody status of people who are incarcerated/in prison. Visit our Guide to Custody Status Notifications for more information.

• They also have forms for Crime Victims Reparations (that are processed through the Sheriff’s Office). Visit our Guide to Crime Victims Reparations for more information.

• This is a copy of the Victim-Witness Brochure that NOPD should provide to you: Victim Witness Brochure

VICTIM AND WITNESS RELOCATIONS

If there is a credible and immediate serious threat to a family member or witness’s life, as agreed to by the lead detective and his/her supervisor, they may recommend relocation.

Further, if a detective is able to establish that there is victim or witness intimidation or threats, the detective can submit an additional arrest warrant for such a crime.

The detective and NOPD Victim Witness Unit will assist in making a safety assessment. They are committed to helping victims and/or witnesses locate safe options. If an arrest has been made, the DA’s Victim Witness staff may address this.

Witnesses and family are expected to be active participants in their own safety plan. In some cases, certain family and witnesses cannot go back to their neighborhood and should not tell others of their whereabouts.

The Louisiana Secretary of State administers Louisiana's Address Confidentiality Program which provides relocated victims of abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, with a substitute address to prevent an assailant from finding the location of a victim through public records.

• Call (800) 825-3805 or (225) 925-4792

• Visit the website: www.sos.la.gov/OurOffice/AddressConfidentialityProgram/Pages/default.aspx

We also have a section with Housing Resources if you are in need of immediate shelter. Refer to our Types of Crime section for more information specific to Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence.

SHERIFF’S OFFICE

This office processes the forms for the Emergency Award and Crime Victims Reparations.

After an arrest, the Sheriff at the Orleans Justice Center (formerly Orleans Parish Prison) books suspects: fingerprints, picture taken, personal information obtained.

CHAPLAINS

It is extremely helpful to have the services of a chaplain when you are in crisis after suffering a trauma. There are four full-time chaplains and one chaplain director assigned to the NOPD, available 24/7.

• To request the services of one of these chaplains, you may call (504) 715-7801 or contact your nearest police station at any time.

These professional chaplains, employed by Baptist Community Ministries, receive intensive training equivalent to a doctoral degree. As an interfaith group, they make thousands of contacts with people in need, and are experienced and sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs of those to whom they minister.

CORONER’S OFFICE

The Coroner’s Office sends an advocate to help assist the families at the scene of a homicide.

VICTIM WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (DISTRICT ATTORNEY)

They become involved in assisting victims/survivors after an arrest is made.

IN THE EVENT OF PHYSICAL INJURY

The mental trauma resulting from a violent crime is difficult enough to process, and dealing with physical injuries can seem overwhelming. Consider asking a level-headed friend to act as your medical advocate. It may be too difficult for you or close family members to focus on tasks required for your medical care.

Ways a medical advocate can help:

• Keep track of your doctors and keep track of appointments.

• Schedule any future appointments and provide transportation.

• Keep track of your prescriptions, pick up your medications, and write down any medication schedules.

• Ask your insurance company (if applicable) to assign a medical case manager.

• Keep medical bills and expenses organized, and keep copies of all checks or credit card payments out of pocket expenses (or take a quick photo with your phone). This is crucial in order to apply for Crime Victim Reparations.