STAR

Circle of Support Group - Virtual
2023-07-26 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | LA
STAR hosts a weekly Circle of Support meeting for survivors of sexual trauma on Wednesday evenings. This group is open to survivors of all genders ages 18 and older. Are you interested in participating? Contact us at (225) 615-7093 to RSVP.

California Pizza Kitchen Give Back - Baton Rouge
2023-08-07 - 2023-08-08 | California Pizza Kitchen, 10001 PERKINS ROWE, STE, 110, Baton Rouge, LA, 70810, United States
Show our flyer or mention STAR on your visit, and California Pizza Kitchen will DONATE 20% OF ALL FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES on your check to STAR. Purchases include dine-in, take-out, catering, and online orders at CPK.com when you enter BACK20% at checkout.

Trauma Therapy Support Group - Virtual
2023-08-07 18:00 - 19:15 (America/New_York) | Virtual
STAR hosts a weekly Healing Support Group for survivors of sexual trauma on Monday evenings. This group is open to survivors of all genders ages 18 and older. Are you interested in participating? Contact us at (855) 435-7827 to RSVP.

Secondary Survivor Support Group (Virtual)
2023-08-15 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | LA
STAR hosts a weekly Secondary Survivor Support Group for parents, guardians, and loved ones of survivors who have experienced sexual trauma. The weekly group is held virtually on Tuesday evenings from 5:30p – 6:30p. This group is open to secondary survivors of all genders, ages 18 and older. Are you interested in participating? Contact us at (855) 435-7827 to RSVP.

Office Closed - Labor Day
2023-09-04 | LA
STAR’s offices will be closed on Monday, September 4th in observance of Labor Day. STAR’s 24/7 hotline is available at 1-855-435-7827.

Champions of Change - New Orleans
2023-09-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Pavilion of the Two Sisters, 1 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA, 70124, United States
In honor of the many brave survivors and allies who shattered the silence of sexual abuse and assault this year, STAR is hosting our Annual Champions of Change Gala in New Orleans on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in City Park. We are excited to recognize the individuals and organizations that allow us to serve hundreds of survivors each year and transform our community to help end sexual violence.
The 2023 Champions of Change honorees are:

Audrey Wascome, Baton Rouge, LA—Audrey is a survivor, writer, and activist living in Baton Rouge with her husband and two sons. She is widely published on the subject of sexual assault and survivorship. Additionally, she advises on survivor-centered public communications regarding sex crimes and is a volunteer for STAR.
State Representative Delisha Boyd, New Orleans, LA—Representative Delisha Boyd is an elected member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for District 102. As a State Representative, she advocates for equality for all, including a woman’s right to choose, equal pay for women, equality for the LGBTQ community, better and enforceable Fair Housing Guidelines, more avenues for affordable home ownership, and living wages which will open more opportunities for members of our community to achieve the dream of home ownership. She is the mother of Kristen Boyd and the grandmother of Reagan Boyd.
Kristi S. Schubert, New Orleans, LA—Kristi Schubert is a litigator and trial attorney who has dedicated her legal practice to representing survivors of sexual abuse in civil lawsuits. She has obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for her clients and has successfully litigated against a wide variety of organizations, including churches, schools, private employers, and youth-facing organizations.
Lift Louisiana, New Orleans, LA—Lift Louisiana’s mission is to educate, advocate, and litigate for policy changes needed to improve the health and well-being of Louisiana’s women, their families, and their communities. Lift works to educate the public on the numerous issues facing Louisiana women and the policies and laws that will impact them. Lift strongly believes in reproductive justice and pursues legal remedies to secure access, availability, and viability of reproductive healthcare services.
Madison Nyquist, Madisonville, LA—Madison Nyquist, Co-Founder of the Louisiana Mental Health Conference, has dedicated her work in the behavioral health industry to advocate for mental health services for all, specifically survivors, the LGBT+ community and sex workers. Madison works to break down barriers for mental health care as well as to support the clinical community to advance skills through trainings throughout Louisiana.
Michelle Johnson, Denham Springs, LA—Ms. Michelle Johnson is the Founder of Michelle Johnson Consulting which provides expert solutions for justice and survivor-centered care to agencies serving child victims of commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Ms. Johnson is an integral part of helping survivors see hope for their future.
Dr. Rae Taylor, New Orleans, LA—Dr. Rae Taylor is an award-winning criminology professor at Loyola University and founder of the Gender Based Violence Research Project. She is a member of the New Orleans Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team, has served as a volunteer medical advocate, and regularly testifies in legal cases to bring perpetrators of violence against women to justice and to help defend criminalized survivors.
The Thurman Perry Foundation, Covington, LA—The Thurman Perry Foundation (TPF) is a Louisiana-based nonprofit operating nationally in service to women and girls impacted by incarceration, with a mission of providing scholarships, healthcare, and housing relief to 10,000 women by 2030. Founded in 2021 by formerly incarcerated woman turned epidemiologist, Gabrielle A. Perry, their Girl Code initiative—the only one of its kind in the U.S.—has donated over 150,000 organic menstrual products to correctional facilities throughout Louisiana and Texas. Dubbed “an organization committed to service” by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s BEYGOOD Foundation, TPF is dedicated to ensuring all women and girls are afforded a second chance.
Tonja Myles, Zachary, LA—Tonja Myles is a victim of childhood and adult sexual trauma, has promoted wellness and rehabilitation by sharing life experiences, and has passionately advocated and moved thousands to healthy and sustainable living.
Tulane Women’s Prison Project, New Orleans, LA—Tulane Women’s Prison Project (WPP) seeks freedom for survivors of gender-based violence incarcerated for killing an abusive partner or trafficker, or for participating in crimes under duress. The WPP reaches survivors on the fringes of mainstream legal reform movements, addressing gender-based violence, trauma, and exploitation as prevalent pathways to prison.
The 2023 Exemplary Journalists are:
Jim Hummel, Lafayette, LA—Broadcast Award—Jim Hummel is an anchor/reporter in Lafayette, Louisiana. Hummel has won two Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards and three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his investigative work. He has also been named Louisiana’s Reporter of the Year four times by the Associated Press Broadcaster’s Association. Hummel is passionate about telling the stories of the people of Acadiana, and he is committed to holding those in power accountable.
Julie O’Donoghue, Baton Rouge, LA—Print Award—Julie O’Donoghue is a senior reporter for the Louisiana Illuminator. She’s received awards from the Virginia Press Association, Louisiana Press Association and Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press. Prior to working for the Illuminator, she worked for St. Louis Public Radio and The Times-Picayune. She is a Washington D.C. native.
Join us for this year’s Champions of Change as we honor the advocates, journalists, and community leaders that have helped further STAR’s mission over the past year. Purchase your tickets using the link below. Click here to view more information on sponsorship opportunities.

Rescheduled - Trauma Therapy Support Group (Virtual)
2023-09-21 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
This is a rescheduled group for STAR’s weekly Healing Support Group.

*Free* Responding to Disclosure Training - Alexandria, LA
2023-09-29 10:00 - 14:30 (America/Chicago) | Red River Delta Law Enforcement Planning District Office, 615 Main Street, Pineville, LA, 71360
Join STAR for “Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence” workshop. This workshop will be hosted by STAR on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Red River Delta Law Enforcement Planning District Office in Pineville, LA.
This workshop is FREE and open to members of the general public. A light lunch will be served. Continuing education credits are being applied for.
Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot. Each participant must register separately.
This program is pending approval for 3.0 Clinical contact hours for social workers.

Office Closed - Veteran's Day
2023-11-10 | LA
STAR’s offices will be closed on Friday, November 10th in observance of Veteran’s Day. STAR’s 24/7 hotline is available at 1-855-435-7827.

Office Closed - Christmas Holiday
2023-12-25 - 2023-12-26 | LA
STAR’s offices will be closed on Monday, December 25th and Tuesday, December 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday.
STAR’s 24/7 hotline is available at 1-855-435-7827.

Office Closure - New Years Day
2024-01-01 - 2024-01-02 | LA
STAR’s offices will be closed on Monday, January 1st and Tuesday, January 2nd in observance of the New Years Holiday.
STAR’s 24/7 hotline is available at 1-855-435-7827.

Office Closed - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2024-01-15 | LA
STAR’s offices will be closed on Monday, January 15th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
STAR’s 24/7 hotline is available at 1-855-435-7827.

Office Closure - Lundi Gras/Mardi Gras Holiday
2024-02-12 - 2024-02-13 | LA
STAR’s offices will be closed on Monday, February 12th and Tuesday, February 13th in observance of Mardi Gras.
STAR’s 24/7 hotline is available at 1-855-435-7827.

Secondary Survivor Support Group (Virtual)
2024-02-19 17:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
STAR hosts a weekly Secondary Survivor Support Group for parents, guardians, and loved ones of survivors who have experienced sexual trauma on Monday evenings. This group is open to secondary survivors of all genders ages 18 and older. Are you interested in participating? Contact us at (855) 435-7827 to RSVP.

Office Closure - Daylight Savings Time
2024-03-11 | LA
We will be closed on Monday, March 11th in observance of Daylight Savings Time. ⏰ Research suggests that the week after Daylight Savings Time begins, there is an increase in mistakes and workplace injuries due to sleep deprivation as our bodies try to adjust to the time change. To help reduce these risks to our staff and to give at least one full adjustment day, we will be closed. Our 24/7 hotline will be available if you need support during this time: 855-435-7827

Office Closed - Good Friday
2024-03-29 | LA
We will be closed on Friday, March 29th in observance of Good Friday. Our 24/7 hotline will be available if you need support during this time: 855-435-7827

The Roux: Healing Skills Group (Virtual)
2024-04-08 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
STAR hosts a weekly foundational healing skills group for survivors who have experienced sexual trauma on Monday evenings. This group is open to primary survivors of all genders ages 18 and older. Are you interested in participating? Contact us at (855) 435-7827 to RSVP.

All the STARs are Blooming Event
2024-04-13 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | EBRPL – River Center Branch Library, 250 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, United States
STAR is hosting, “All the STARs are Blooming,” a drag show dinner performance and fundraising event on April 13, 2024, at the River Center Branch Library in downtown Baton Rouge. This event aims to raise funds for our ongoing programs and services for survivors, as well as to promote awareness and education surrounding sexual assault.
Join us in a night honoring STAR’s mission and the community that makes Baton Rouge home!
Doors 6:00 pm | Drag Show 7:00 pm
Tickets are available for purchase at All the STARs are Blooming Event

Office Closed - Memorial Day
2024-05-27 | LA
We will be closed on Monday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day. Our 24/7 hotline will be available if you need support during this time: 855-435-7827

Office Closed - Juneteenth
2024-06-19 | LA
We will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Our 24/7 hotline will be available if you need support during this time: 855-435-7827

World Refugee & Immigrant Day Celebration
2024-06-22 14:00 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | River Center Baton Rouge, 275 S River Road, Baton Rouge, LA, 70802, United States

Office Closed - Summer Break
2024-07-02 - 2024-07-05 | LA
Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response (STAR) will be closed from Tuesday, July 2nd to Sunday, July 7th in observance of Summer Break.
Research suggests over half of all sexual trauma response practitioners experience stress symptoms and high levels of compassion fatigue. The mental health benefits of taking a short pause from sexual trauma advocacy work provide an opportunity to improve psychological well-being, recalibrate work-life balance, and act as a protective factor against burnout. During this time dedicated to individual development and reflection, the 24/7 hotline will still be available if you need support: 855-435-7827.
Additional resources available during STAR’s summer break are as follows:

RAINN: (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE (4673), online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es)
2-1-1: The Louisiana Statewide Network is a confidential, free resource connecting callers to information about critical health and human services available in their communities.
9-8-8: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) provides 24/7 free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV): https://lcadv.org/ 1-888-411-1333 is the federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, non-residential programs and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana.
Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA): https://www.lafasa.org/ 1-888-995-7273. LaFASA offers free and confidential support statewide to survivors and their loved ones. Connect with an on-call Crisis Specialist to discuss your current circumstance and talk about next steps that can be taken towards safety and healing.

STAR Offices will reopen for business on Monday, July 8th with a recharged and recovered staff ready to return to our profession with renewed energy and motivation to support survivors of sexual trauma, improve systems response, and create social change to end sexual violence.

Sexual Health, Education, & Rights Block Party
2024-07-20 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 1631 Elysian Fields, 1631 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA, 70117, United States

Office Closed - Labor Day
2024-09-02 | LA
We will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor Day. Our 24/7 hotline will be available if you need support during this time: 855-435-7827

Office Closure Due to Tropical Storm Francine
2024-09-11 - 2024-09-12 | LA
STAR will be closed on Wednesday, September 11th and Thursday, September 12th due to Francine
As safety allows, client response, including STAR’s 24/7 hotline, will be available if you need support during this time: 1-855-435-7827

STATEWIDE RESOURCES

Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
GetAGamePlan.org
Emergency Event Information
Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guides

GENERAL RESOURCES

VIALINK/211 Francine Information and Resources
Department of Children & Family Services – DSNAP
What to Expect from Louisiana D-SNAP and SNAP After a Disaster
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Louisiana Workforce Commission – Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services Disaster Helpline (free legal service): 1-844-244-7871
Emotional Support – Disaster Distress Helpline (videophone service available for American Sign Language users) – Click here or call 1-800-985-5990
Report Damage – Damage.LA.Gov
Report Disaster Fraud – FEMA
Department of Homeland Security Disaster Guide
American Red Cross – download mobile phone app
NOAA Weather Prediction Center

'Healing Through Words' Writing Workshop
2024-10-26 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Join us for ‘Healing Through Words’, a virtual writing workshop. In this safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, you’ll explore the transformative power of storytelling to express your experiences, emotions, and healing journey.
Through guided writing prompts, reflective exercises, and group discussions, participants will have the opportunity to:

Explore Your Voice: Discover and nurture your unique voice, allowing for self-expression in a way that feels comfortable and empowering.
Craft Your Narrative: Learn techniques for weaving your experiences into poetry, prose, and personal essays, transforming pain into powerful narratives.
Share and Reflect: Engage in open dialogue with others who understand your journey, fostering connection and community.

No prior writing experience is necessary. Through the art of writing, we will honor each other’s stories and cultivate resilience. Join us as we embark on this journey of healing and self-discovery.
This group is exclusively for STAR clients. If you would like to become a client, or for more information, please call 1.855.435.7827

Office Closed - Veteran's Day
2024-11-11 | LA
We will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veteran’s Day. Our 24/7 hotline will be available if you need support during this time: 855-435-7827

Circle of Support Group (Virtual)
2024-11-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-11-20 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | LA
STAR hosts a weekly Circle of Support meeting for survivors of sexual trauma on Wednesday evenings. This group is open to survivors of all genders ages 18 and older. Are you interested in participating? Contact us at 1-855-435-7827 to RSVP.

The Roux: Healing Skills Group (Virtual)
2024-11-18 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
STAR hosts a weekly foundational healing skills group on Monday evenings for survivors who have experienced sexual trauma. This group is open to primary survivors of all genders, ages 18 and older. Are you interested in participating? Contact us at (855) 435-7827 to RSVP.
