Services Offered:
24-hour Crisis Line
Although our regular business hours are 8 am to 5 pm on Monday through Friday, a SAFE Advocate is always available after-hours and on weekends to take crisis calls and assist survivors with any emergency.
Safety Planning
SAFE Advocates discuss detailed safety planning with every survivor that contacts our agency. In doing this, Advocates assist survivors with strategies to ensure their safety in the event that they encounter a violent or otherwise dangerous situation.
Individual and Group Support for survivors of domestic violence and their children
We offer personal and private support for survivors of domestic violence and their children. An Adult Advocate and a Child Advocate are available to meet individually with victims and/or their children. Adult and children support group meetings are facilitated by an Adult Advocate and Child Advocate and held weekly at our office.
Emergency Shelter / Housing
SAFE’s emergency shelter services provide immediate shelter for survivors and their children fleeing a domestic violence situation.
Rental Assistance
SAFE offers survivors assistance with rental payments to provide a safe, confidential place to live as they are making the transition out of their abusive situation. The Rental Assistance Program is unlike an emergency shelter because it provides a single-family home for the survivor and their children for up to one year.
Protective Order Technical Assistance, Court Escort, and Support
In an attempt to maintain safety, many survivors file a Protective Order against their abusers. SAFE Advocates can assist with completing the Protective Order paperwork and answer any questions about the process. Advocates also attend Protective Order hearings and provide emotional support for survivors during this process.
Provide Legal Referrals
SAFE works closely with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS), a local agency that provides legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. If a survivor is in need of legal assistance concerning a Protective Order, divorce, custody, property disputes, and any other legal advice relating to family violence, SAFE Advocates can provide a referral to SLLS on their behalf.
Community Education and InService Training
SAFE Staff are available to provide education and training to other local community agencies. This not only helps us spread the word about the seriousness of family violence in our community, it also opens doors for other agencies to partner with SAFE and play a role in our program to help put an end to it.
Advocacy
SAFE partners with many agencies with other agencies and institutions that affect victims and their families in order to advocate and educate for the families and communities we serve.
Outreach Locations
SAFE Advocates can meet victims in multiple locations throughout our service area.
Services for Children
Our program provides a safe and nurturing environment for children in crisis while they receive specialized services. A Child Advocate provides individual support and weekly support groups.