KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Our educational materials help victims stay informed and in touch with available support services and community resources, ensuring they receive the holistic assistance they deserve.

VICTIM-SURVIVOR

GUIDEBOOK

An Informational Guide to Pardon, Commutation of Sentence, & Parole Hearings

The Victim-Survivor Guidebook was created with the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole to help victims and survivors of crime. It can assist you in understanding and navigating the pardon, commutation of sentence, and parole processes.

Crime can profoundly affect your life for a long time, physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially, and spiritually. This is true for victims, survivors, family, friends, community members, offenders, and others involved.

While the guidebook focuses on victims and survivors, it can be helpful for anyone interested in learning about these proceedings.

Our goal is to provide information that clarifies the work of the Board of Pardons and Parole, the services offered by the Louisiana Victim Outreach Program (LAVO) and the Crime Victims Services Bureau (CVSB), and the rights and roles of victims and survivors. We want to show compassion and help you find peace of mind. Please download the guidebook for more information on the pardon and parole processes, victims' rights and services, and more.

STATE + NATIONWIDE

SUPPORT

Healing and support services are not a one-size-fits-all kind of resource. Your healing process may require different approaches that LAVO may not be able to provide directly.

Although we are trauma-informed and healing-oriented, we specialize in pardons and parole guidance and crime victim services.

If you are not a victim of a crime but still suffer from trauma, mental health issues, etc., then we think this list of resources will help guide you on who is best fit to help you in your time of need. We don't want our limitations to keep you from continuing your healing process. 

As always, feel free to contact us if you have questions about this list we've compiled. 

RESOURCE MAP

Regional

Statewide

  • The State of Louisiana has a program called CRIME VICTIM REPARATIONS (CVR). If you are eligible, this program can pay you back for money you spent out of pocket as a result of violent crime.

    Read more below about who can apply, what is covered, and how to apply.


  • Federally designated statewide coalition of shelters, non-residential programs and individuals working to end domestic violence in Louisiana

    +1 (888) 411-1333

    Lcadv.org

  • LaFASA is committed to empowering survivors, engaging advocates, and changing systems and social norms to end sexual violence in Louisiana.

    +1 (888) 995-7273

    Lafasa.org

  • Online tool to help you find the Community Health Center closest to you

    https://lpca.net/health-centers/search/

  • VINELink is the online portal to VINE, America’s leading victim notification network. Accessible 24/7/365, VINELink provides the most reliable information regarding custody status changes and criminal case information.

    https://vinelink.vineapps.com/search/LA

Nationwide

RESOURCE GUIDES

Find helpful information about your needs in our newly updated Resource Guides listed below alphabetically.

All guides are available to view online and download for personal use, reference, and sharing with others.