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Support for Shooting Victims at the Movie Theater in Lafayette, Louisiana
Helping Victims in Lafayette and Throughout the Nation
We at OVC convey our deepest sympathies to the victims of the Lafayette shootings, their families, the people of Louisiana, and those in mourning throughout the nation. We share the following resources that may be able to help victims and their families, as well as the victim service providers that are assisting them.
Resources for Victims
- Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Board, partially funded through the OVC-administered Crime Victims Fund, helps victims offset the financial burden of funeral, mental health, medical, and other expenses related to the shootings. Following is contact information for this program:
Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement
Crime Victims Reparations
P.O. Box 3133
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Contact Amy Daigle, Claims Investigator for Lafayette Parish, at 337–236–5657, ext. 31, or the Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Board main office at 1–888–684–2846, for immediate assistance.
To obtain compensation application forms, access http://www.lcle.state.la.us/programs/cvr.asp#downloads, call 1–888–684–2846, or contact Amy Daigle (contact information above).
- The Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office Victim Service Program works to protect the rights of victims and provide assistance to victims of crime. Contact information for this program is:
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office
316 West Main Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone: 337–232–9211
- The Online Directory of Crime Victim Services is an online, searchable directory designed to help service providers and individuals locate crime victim services in the United States and other countries. Access the Directory to locate information about services in your area.
- The Disaster Distress Helpline, funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), is a national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone (1–800-985–5990) and SMS (text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746) to residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or man-made disasters.
- The following publications may also be of assistance in the aftermath of this crime—
Hope for Recovery: Understanding Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
http://www.ptsdalliance.org/images/hope_for_recovery.pdf
This booklet was developed to help the reader understand the nature and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The booklet discusses its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how family and friends can help a loved one in recovery from PTSD.
OVC Handbook for Coping After Terrorism: A Guide to Healing and Recovery
https://www.ovc.gov/publications/infores/cat_hndbk/welcome.html
This handbook provides victims of terrorism with information based on the expertise of mental health, crisis counseling, and victim assistance professionals. The handbook is intended to help these victims understand their reactions to an act of terrorism or mass violence.
OVC Help Series for Crime Victims: Homicide
https://www.ovc.gov/pubs/helpseries/pdfs/HelpBrochure_Homicide.pdf
The OVC HELP Series of brochures provides a resource for victims of crime and the victim service providers that work with them every day. Each brochure defines a type of victimization; discusses what to do if you are the victim of this crime; and provides national resources for more information and assistance on where to go for help.
Tips for Survivors: Coping with Grief After Community Violence
http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA14-4888/SMA14-4888.pdf
This tip sheet contains information about some of the signs of grief and anger and provides useful information about how to cope with grief.
Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content//SMA12-4732/SMA12-4732.pdf
This fact sheet helps parents and teachers to recognize common reactions children of different age groups (preschool, early childhood, adolescence) experience after a disaster or traumatic event. It also offers tips on how to respond to children and adolescents in a helpful way, and when to seek support.
What You Can Do If You Are a Victim of Crime
https://www.ovc.gov/publications/infores/whatyoucando_2010/welcome.html
This brochure highlights victims’ rights and compensation and assistance programs, and lists national organizations that help victims to find information or obtain referrals.
Resources for Victim Service Providers