Survivor Support

The presence of an organization like STAR® has a tremendous impact on a community. Because sexual violence remains largely hidden in our communities due to the shame, stigma and taboo associated with the experience, STAR® promotes awareness of the issue to the public at large and serves as a beacon for survivors to seek help and refuge. As one of our clients put it:

“You never know how important an organization like STAR is until you experience something as unexpected and horrifying as a sexual assault; then, you don’t know how you would make it through without them.”

Trauma can fundamentally alter a person’s worldview and diminish their sense of hope and possibility, effects which are compounded by isolation and a lack of support in the aftermath of trauma. STAR® strives to be a beacon of light and hope for survivors, providing immediate and long-term reminders that they are not alone, that someone understands, believes them and cares about what happens to them.  

Similarly, the belief that sexual violence is inevitable affects a community’s worldview and sense of hope and possibility. Our presence creates a community that is not just more informed about sexual trauma, but more hopeful about the possibility of ending sexual violence. Where there once seemed to be darkness and dead ends, STAR® strives diligently to light a way forward.

We believe that confidentiality is the foundation of our services to survivors. We observe confidentiality within our agency as required by professional ethics and/or Louisiana and Federal law. Information is not provided outside of STAR® by advocates, clinicians, or attorneys unless:

1. We have the client’s written permission.
2. We believe it is necessary to prevent clear and imminent danger to the client or others.
3. The client indicates to a mandatory reporter on staff that there is reasonable cause to believe that a child, dependent adult, or a vulnerable elderly person was abused or neglected.

Your advocate, counselor, or attorney will explain any limits they may have to keep your information completely confidential. Please ask if that information is not provided to you before talking with anyone at STAR®.

STAR® is a recipient of Federal VAWA funds; therefore, any person who believes that they have experienced discrimination by STAR® may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR has authority to investigate complaints alleging a violation of the VAWA nondiscrimination grant condition. To file a discrimination complaint, please download and complete the Complaint Verification Form (CVF) and the Identity Release Statement (IRS) and return both forms to OCR at the following address: Office for Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531.

We thrive on feedback. Please take a moment to share your experience with us by completing an anonymous client satisfaction survey.

STAR® is intended as a safe space for survivors of sexual trauma and their loved ones. In an instance where you feel that your experience with STAR® has been unsatisfactory, you are encouraged to discuss the matter with your advocate or counselor first, then with management if further action is needed. Please contact our Director of Programs, Kirsten Raby, to report any grievances or to give any feedback about your experience; she can be contacted at kirsten.raby@star.ngo or by calling (225) 615-7093 ext. 123.

STAR is just one resource available to survivors of sexual violence. Please see below for additional resources available from our community partners:

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 free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 200 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices.

Louisiana’s Address Confidentiality Program: Louisiana’s Address Confidentiality Program is administered by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office and was modeled after the original program developed in the State of Washington in 1991. In 2006, the Louisiana Legislature passed legislation governing the program which are found in La. R.S. 44:51-57. The ACP provides relocated victims of abuse, sexual assault or stalking with a substitute address to use in place of their actual address when they apply for or receive state or local government services (e.g., driver’s license, voter registration, public school records, etc.).

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: LCADV is the federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, non-residential programs and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana. Their programs serve people from everywhere in Louisiana and who come from all backgrounds.

Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations: The CVR Fund helps innocent victims and their families when they have no other means of paying for the financial cost of crime. The fund is administered by the Crime Victims Reparations Board under the  jurisdiction of the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.

Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault: LaFASA is the coalition agency that serves statewide sexual assault crisis centers through education, professional training, technical assistance, and community engagement resulting in safer, healthier, stronger, and better-informed communities throughout Louisiana. LaFASA also provides advocacy and legal services directly to survivors and cultivates prevention in our communities.

Louisiana Protective Order Registry: LPOR is a statewide repository of court orders issued to prohibit domestic abuse, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. The registry was established by legislative act (La. R.S. 46:2136.2) in 1997, for the purpose of enhancing court-ordered protections for victims and their minor children, and to aid law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts in handling cases involving intimate partner violence. LPOR is not a public access database.

Louisiana State Bar Association – Legal Aid & Pro Bono Organizations: If you cannot find an attorney, or if you cannot afford to hire an attorney, you may be able to get help from a legal aid or pro bono organization in your area.

VineLink: VINE is a free, secure, and confidential way to access custody status and criminal case information. You can register for notifications and stay informed.