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Immediate Practical Matters

This section describes some things you, your family, or friends may face after violence. Refer to Types of Violence for resources specific to a particular type of incident.

IMMEDIATE MEDICAL NEEDS

If you are a crime victim/survivor with medical needs, the emergency medical personnel will have taken you to a hospital for treatment. 

See our section on Non-Fatal Physical Assaults/Shootings to find more resources, including the Seeds of NOLA Trauma Recovery Center.

For sexual assault and rape cases, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will gently guide you through an exam, although this is voluntary. Social workers are available any time afterwards. Refer to our Sexual Assault section for more information.

  • If you are in need of medical attention — and not taken by ambulance — University Medical Center (UMC) in New Orleans offers forensic medical examinations. Click here for all New Orleans area locations where you can get a free Forensic Medical Exam after sexual violence. You should not be charged for this cost.

  • For domestic violence cases, after treatment, a counselor and specially trained NOPD detectives will talk to you when you are able. 

  • Our Sexual Assault section includes information on important medical issues to be aware of.

  • Visit our Resources section to find organizations and service providers who can provide assistance, such as New Orleans Family Justice Center (NOFJC) and Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR). 

After a crime is reported, the NOPD Victim Witness Assistance unit should contact you — they are familiar with the various needs you will face, so let them help you. They can help with relevant referrals.

STAY SOMEWHERE SAFE

Often, it will be necessary to secure the crime scene and preserve important evidence. The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) can help advise you on appropriate steps to take.

To receive a safety assessment, survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence (DV/IPV) or stalking can contact the New Orleans Family Justice Center (NOFJC) or Metro Centers for Community Advocacy, and survivors of sexual violence or related stalking can reach out to Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR).

  • If you have reported the crime to police, you can also talk to the Detective in your case if you have concerns about physical safety and security in your home.

Given how devastated and vulnerable you may feel, try to surround yourself with people who are caring. If the suspect is still at large, consider staying with people who offer safe shelter. If the crime happened where you live, you may have to stay somewhere else.

Seek out protection from additional harm:

  • If you face an immediate threat or feel you are in immediate danger, call 911. Call 988 for mental health services (including emergencies) and 211 for general resources (non emergency).

  • If you are threatened or intimidated by others because of your connection to the case, you should immediately notify your Detective and/or Victim/Witness Advocate. 

  • Serious threats may result in that person’s arrest, or even a permanent or temporary restraining order (TRO), which orders the responsible party to stay away and cease all contact with victims, witnesses and/or their families.

  • Survivors of sexual violence can get legal support from STAR. Survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, or abuse can similarly reach out to the NOFJC or Metro Centers for Community Advocacy.

  • Visit the NNEDV’s Safety Net for technology, safety, and online privacy tips.

  • Scroll down to our section on Keeping Your New Location Private, and/or check out our online tutorial on the state Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).

HOUSING, RELOCATION, AND URGENT FINANCIAL NEEDS

Finding safe housing may be essential following a traumatic event. 

  • The NOPD Victim/Witness Assistance Unit can provide referrals to agencies that can help find you safe housing.

  • The District Attorney may be able to assist with urgent housing resources such as temporary emergency relocation or with rental deposit assistance.

  • If you are a survivor of a sexual assault, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, or abuse, NOFJC or Metro Centers for Community Advocacy can help.

  • A survivor of domestic abuse or sexual assault has the right to legally vacate a lease/rental contract for safety reasons related to the crime.

  • Crime Victims’ Reparations/Compensation (CVR/CVC) may provide reimbursement for relocation costs in certain circumstances (if you qualify), but it may take months for approval of your total reimbursement. Visit our Guide to CVR/CVC for information on emergency funds.

  • STAR has a Survivor Financial Assistance program for survivors of sexual violence.

  • Traveler’s Aid Society has housing programs to help people find stable, permanent shelter, including a DV housing program for survivors and their dependents.

  • Our Housing section includes additional options, but unfortunately finding something suitable can take time.

  • The New Orleans Community Resource Guide lists many free/low cost services.

KEEPING YOUR NEW LOCATION PRIVATE

The LA Secretary of State administers an Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) 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.

  • There are important restrictions to this program, so contact them immediately before you make plans to move. They can only assist if you do not own the home and have not put any of your bills under the new address.

  • To learn more about the ACP program, visit our Guide to ACP which links to the state website, or see Louisiana Revised Statutes LA RS 44:51-57.

  • Act 186 (HB1012) of the 2026 legislative session, sponsored by Rep. Boyd, included new privacy protections for survivors of sex offenses, classifying them as “protected individuals” under Louisiana’s public records laws, which allows survivors to request removal of their information from public records.

  • Required documentation includes: a police report, protective order, or final judgment. Act 186 is new, and we hope to share additional details in the future via our printed guidebook, website, and social media.

EMERGENCY AWARD

You may be eligible for emergency financial assistance of up to $1,000 from the state’s Crime Victims’ Reparations/Compensation (CVR/CVC) program, if you qualify.

  • With an emergency award, the money should be distributed much more quickly than with a full CVR/CVC application (within weeks rather than months).

  • For full applications, the maximum award amount is $15,000. Victims who suffer total permanent disability as a result of their victimization may qualify for up to $25,000.

  • Note: Act 684 (HB969) of the 2026 legislative session, sponsored by Rep. Wiley, changed the program’s name from “Crime Victims Reparations” to “Crime Victims’ Compensation.” Refer to our Guide to CVR/CVC for additional program changes and information.

GET A SUPPORT SYSTEM GOING

If people offer to help and you need assistance, try to surround yourself with those who are supportive, helpful, and kind.

  • Make a list of people to contact and how they can help, for example: Child care / Help with pets / Meals / Yard work and cleaning at home / Referrals for doctors, therapists, funeral homes, etc. / Driving (driving is unsafe when in shock or on certain medications) / Financial aid / Attending important meetings.

  • If applicable, ask someone you can trust to act as a medical advocate (if you’re physically injured), to assist in making medical decisions and with any health insurance issues, such as obtaining pre-approvals, especially if there are multiple injuries; or see if a case manager can be assigned by your insurance company.

  • Refer to our section For Friends and Family for more information on how to support a friend or family member who has been through a violent trauma.

IDENTIFYING THE BODY / AUTOPSY & CORONER

Refer to our section on Homicide for more information.

District NOPD investigators will often handle initial scenes, but detectives go to all homicide and suicide cases, as well as any unclassified deaths (where there is nothing obvious to explain the cause). 

When it is clear a crime has caused the death, the body cannot be moved from where it is found without permission from the Coroner. Typically, detectives do not touch a body at the crime scene, but will attend the victim’s autopsy at the Coroner’s office. Police and Coroners will be inspecting the body for clues that might be critical. 

An autopsy is required by law for all these kinds of cases, and will be conducted to determine what internal and external injuries caused death. Wounds and injuries may be photographed and marked on a diagram. These will be used in a trial. 

  • The Coroner makes the final determination of the cause of death, which will be used for any court issues. 

  • The body will be picked up from the Coroner’s office by your funeral home, or taken to the morgue. 

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Refer to our section on Homicide for more information.

CRIME SCENE CLEANUP

In some situations, time is of the essence to do the cleanup. If possible, it’s a good idea to talk with the police before doing any cleanup. It is recommended that a professional organization does this work. Costs for professional cleanup may vary widely; these services may be reimbursable through Crime Victims’ Reparations/Compensation (CVR/CVC), but only if they are provided by a professional company insured for that purpose.

Though well-intentioned friends or neighbors may try and help you clean up, this is not a good idea due to the risk of contamination, infection, or potentially compromising evidence.

KEEP NOTES

Some people find it helpful to keep notes of important meetings or discussions with Detectives, insurance claim people, estate lawyers, etc. (you can use a notebook or your phone).

  • You can write out questions in advance and then say: “Let me check that I’ve covered all the questions I wrote out for you.” At the end of the conversation, you can summarize your understanding so everyone is clear on each point.

  • NOTE: If you are a witness in a court case and you tell officials (NOPD/DA) about your notes, they can be subpoenaed for and used at trial (you may have to testify about them), and they must be shared with the defense.

  • Keep receipts and bills for crime-related expenses, medical costs, living costs, childcare, etc. (or take photos). This documentation may be used if the accused is ordered to pay restitution, or for your Crime Victims’ Reparations/Compensation (CVR/CVC) application for possible reimbursement.

Even though I thought I’d never forget what was discussed in important calls, of course I did. - Rose

TIME OFF FROM WORK AND RETURNING

Some find the routine of work helpful, while others will need to take time off. 

If you need to take time off from your job, you can show your employer your item card or brochure that the police will provide, or perhaps show a news article. Crime Victims’ Reparations/Compensation (CVR/CVC) can help with lost wages due to taking time off after violent crime.

If you are returning to work, consider discussing these points with your employer and/or coworker(s):

  • You may need more breaks than usual, in case you have a grief or panic attack, or if someone says something insensitive.

  • You may need to temporarily work on different assignments.

  • The effects of grief (anger, withdrawal, sadness, physical collapse) are not necessarily related to your attitude to the job.

KNOW WHO YOU ARE TALKING TO

If anyone unknown wants you to discuss the crime, do not be pressured; instead, ask for their name, title, agency/organization, and if possible, business card. If you feel unsure or uneasy about talking to someone, tell them you may check back later. Discuss with your Detective or Victim/Witness Advocate.

  • Defense teams have their own investigators, so always ask for detailed information on who they represent. DA can mean Defense Attorney or District Attorney — so check.

  • Victims are not required to speak to the defense. If you plan to speak with the defense team, it’s a good idea to first speak to your Detective and/or NOPD Victim Witness Advocate (or your ADA or DA Victim/Witness Advocate if post-arrest).

RELATING TO THE MEDIA

Initially, I did not speak to the media despite repeated requests, but a year later, when the killer died, I did make a brief statement. It may sound strange, but I felt cheated by the killer’s death in that he avoided trial — and was infuriated that the killer’s family claimed that his was a “wrongful death.” 

I wrote out what I wanted to say, as I knew my emotions could easily overtake me and I might forget the main points I wanted to cover — and asked some friends to proofread it. I then called and shared the comments with the detective and ADA for their approval. I had friends stand with me while I gave the interview.

- Rose Preston

Violent crime often brings with it the spotlight of the media, wanted or unwanted. 

Being the subject of public attention can take a toll on one’s mental health and sense of safety. Be aware that news coverage may include hurtful, sensationalized, inaccurate, or misleading information that can be seen by anyone

On the other hand, some victims and survivors have found that strategic use of the media can potentially assist with visibility of the case. For some, sharing their story in their own words can help.

Also consider these issues:

  • You are not required to talk to any media representative or reporter. If your case is open (and a trial is anticipated), it’s a good idea to consider any public statements you make carefully, as they can be used in court.

  • You might release a written statement, but in an open case, you may want to ask your Detective or Advocate to review it first. Others can also speak on your behalf or read your statement, such as a support person, friend, or faith leader.

  • If you’ve noticed a reporter whose work you respect, you might approach them. It is a good idea to consider privacy boundaries.

  • When you speak with a reporter, you can clarify expectations and how your statements may be used in the reporting, like asking if statements will be “on the record” (everything can be published), “off the record” (confidential), or “on background” (information you give can be used, but you aren’t named or quoted without further approval). You can also request to review direct quotes before the piece is released, but not all publications allow this.

  • Refer to NCVC’S media guide for more helpful information and guidance.

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Since most social media posts are public, information can be seen by anyone — police, prosecutors, the defense, journalists, and suspects. As stated above, keep in mind that certain statements could impact the police investigation or be used in court.

  • To share important information with friends and family, you (or a trusted friend) can send group texts, group emails, or create a private group on a shared messaging platform, but take care not to release sensitive information or provocative, inflammatory statements/accusations. You might suggest people use respectful language in their group messages.

  • Another way to handle this is to create a new contact account, and make it a closed, private group that is accessible to friends only. You would need to notify friends of this new group, and invite them to join

If your situation involves homicide, then it is likely that your deceased loved one’s social media account(s) will be reviewed (if they had one) by the detective for possible evidence in various communications. Investigators may request that the account remain open to see additional posts. 

If your deceased loved one’s account is still active and you choose to keep it that way, don’t put up updates on the case if it is significant or sensitive information — again, anyone can read it. It is important that you or a trusted friend(s) monitor your loved one’s social media account to be sure that nobody else is posting sensitive, harmful or private information. An option is to create a separate account, such as “In Memory of (Loved One’s Name).”

DEALING WITH YOUR INVESTIGATION

Since trauma affects memory, you may find or remember useful information that may help in the investigation. You can contact your Detective or Victim/Witness Advocate with such information for them to evaluate.

If you find something that might be considered evidence, it’s a good idea to check first with these contacts, and do not touch or disturb these items so as to avoid jeopardizing the case or your safety. For example, you may notice something out of place, or items left behind by the person who committed the crime. Or you may be able to connect your Detective with neighbors or witnesses who can help.

If relevant, ask nearby businesses and/or neighbors if they have working security cameras that might have video footage, but first check with your Detective before doing so. Note that most video footage only lasts for 30 days or less, so it must be preserved quickly.

  • Some people use local social networking (like Facebook or NextDoor) to share and gather info, but know that discussions on these platforms are not trauma-informed and can be triggering.

A priority is put on DNA tests in violent crime cases, but DNA processing takes time and cannot be rushed. It can take anywhere from two weeks to several months, depending on the investigation and the lab processing the evidence.

If an individual is arrested, you can check their custody status using the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office Detainee Search. You can also register for victim notifications (using a form) through NOPD or the DA’s office, or directly through LA VINE. Refer to our Guide to Victim Notifications for more information.

For Federal arrests, see our Federal Crimes section. 

For additional information on investigations, refer to our Criminal Legal Process section.

CRIMESTOPPERS

If someone possibly knows the identity and/or whereabouts of a person who committed a crime but is scared to involve police, they can call this group at (504) 822-1111. Crimestoppers provides an ID number to the caller for follow-up communication.

Anyone calling in a tip will remain anonymous. Should an arrest and indictment occur based on the tip, a reward of up to $2,500 is given in cash, and up to $5,000 for arrest and indictment on homicide (some reward amounts may be increased).

Crimestoppers is separate from the police. Being anonymous, they do not ask for names of those providing information. They follow international guidelines and have proven track records: there are no cases of retaliation and won’t be as long as the caller doesn’t tell others. 

  • Donations can be added to the reward amount to increase case exposure (called Supplemental Rewards). If no arrest is made within a particular timeframe, the additional reward donation will be returned with a small administrative fee removed.

LOGISTICAL/LEGAL MATTERS

Refer to Estate & Civil Legal Matters for more information.

It is likely you will need to address logistical issues including: 

  • Checking and Savings Accounts

  • Credit card companies

  • Retirement Accounts

  • Loans

  • Safe Deposit Box

  • Monitor the mail

  • Real estate

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Automobile

  • Auto insurance

  • IRS

  • Social security

  • Medicare

  • Funeral and life insurance

  • Legal Assistance

Click here for more information on Civil Legal Matters. 

Click here for more information on Legal Assistance.

TRIBAL RESOURCES

American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities have some of the highest crime victimization rates in the nation, yet they often face additional barriers to connecting with helpful services. Privacy, safety concerns, and fears of cultural stigmatization, especially in small communities, may prevent survivors from seeking help.

Below are some helpful online resources:

IMMIGRATION HELP

Many barriers exist for individuals who have recently arrived in the United States, those who are undocumented, and those who do not speak English as their first language.

  • The U non-immigrant  status (U visa) is set aside for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse, and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

  • The T non-immigrant status (T visa) is available to those who are or have been victims of a severe form of trafficking and assist law enforcement in the detection, investigation, or prosecution of acts of trafficking.

  • These applications are usually submitted by a legal representative to the NOPD, and certification is done by NOPD’s Investigative Services Bureau (ISB). All applications must be approved by the Deputy Chief of ISB. If a case is referred to the DA’s office, it must be certified by the NOPD Chief of Staff. The applicant must show compliance and cooperation with the process. Please note that an application for either visa does not guarantee it being given.

Local groups supporting the immigrant community: Familias Unidas, Unión Migrante, LORI, ISLA, Free Alas, Project Ishmael, and VIET; others also offer multilingual services. 

Refer to Resources and look for “S” for Spanish, “V” for Vietnamese, and “AR” for Arabic.