1. Victim and Witness Rights
- Louisiana Attorney General – Crime Victims Assistance
Provides legal guidance, compensation programs, and support services for victims navigating the justice system. - Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement – VOCA Program
Offers financial support for medical, counseling, and relocation costs resulting from crime victimization.
2. Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid Programs
- Louisiana Law Help
Statewide portal for free legal forms, attorney referrals, and civil legal resources including protective orders and harassment claims. - Southeast Louisiana Legal Services
Provides free legal assistance in domestic violence, stalking, and defamation-related civil cases to low-income residents.
3. Relevant Laws
- Stalking: La. R.S. § 14:40.2
What it means: Intentional and repeated following, surveillance, or harassment that causes a person to feel fearful, threatened, or emotionally distressed. - Harassment: No standalone statute; addressed under stalking and cyberstalking laws (La. R.S. § 14:40.3)
What it means: Harassing communications via email or electronic devices can be prosecuted under cyberstalking laws, especially if threatening or repeated. - Bullying: No adult criminal statute. Governed under La. R.S. § 17:416.13 (Education Code)
What it means: Schools are required to enforce anti-bullying policies and investigate reports. Includes cyberbullying and peer intimidation on school grounds or online. - Defamation: Civil tort, not criminal. Guided by Louisiana Civil Code and case law.
What it means: Victims may sue for libel (written) or slander (spoken) if false claims cause reputational damage. No criminal penalties exist for defamation in Louisiana.
4. Reporting and Hotlines
- Call 911 in case of immediate threat or emergency.
- Non-emergency incidents may be reported to your local law enforcement or sheriff’s office.
- Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV)
Connects individuals to shelters, legal services, and victim advocacy programs throughout Louisiana. - Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-888-882-5215
Confidential 24/7 support for domestic abuse, harassment, and crisis situations.
5. Support Organizations
- Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Offers shelter coordination, legal referrals, and safety planning resources across the state. - Metro Centers for Community Advocacy
Provides legal advocacy, emergency shelter, and trauma-informed services in Greater New Orleans.
6. Civil Remedies and Protection Orders
Louisiana courts allow residents to petition for Protective Orders in cases involving stalking, abuse, harassment, or threats. These orders may restrict contact, digital messaging, and physical proximity. Legal aid organizations or local victim advocates can help with the filing process.
Important Note on Jurisdiction: If the individual you are seeking a restraining order against lives in a different state, your local court may not have jurisdiction to enforce that order. In most cases, you must file for protection in the state where that individual resides or where the conduct occurred. This applies even in situations involving online harassment, defamation, or stalking. Contact legal aid services in both your state and the other person’s state for guidance.
7. Youth and School Resources
- Louisiana Department of Education – Bullying Prevention
Provides school compliance policies, reporting tools, and support for student safety and intervention.
8. Court Forms and Filing Help
- Louisiana Supreme Court – Self-Help Resources
Includes protection order forms, instructions, and guidance for victims navigating civil courts without an attorney.
9. Online Safety and Privacy Tools
- NNEDV Tech Safety Toolkit
Offers practical privacy tools and digital defense strategies for those experiencing online abuse, doxing, or surveillance.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
