During this time of uncertainty, many feel the effects of isolation in a way most cannot imagine. For some, it’s an ongoing situation of abuse. Sexual and domestic abuse is all about control. The stress of uncertainty can create a situation for increased violence because abusers feel out of control relating to their jobs, finances, health and what is to come. They regain control through violence. Women and children are most vulnerable.

Additionally, there are the survivors of sexual assault and abuse. Survivors were hurt at some point in the past. When someone is assaulted, they are not in control of what happens to them. The loss of control results in trauma similar to PTSD. That’s why the uncertainty of this pandemic can affect a survivor more acutely than others. 

It is vital to let those in need know that help is still available, no matter what. The 11 sexual assault crisis centers throughout our state continue to provide services to survivors. Everyone at the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA) and all advocates at the crisis centers understand what a difficult time this is. For those feeling overwhelmed and already coping with trauma and stress, know someone is available to talk to you. For those who are currently in abusive situations, the same goes, know you can get help even during this crisis.

No one is sure when life will resume normalcy, but until then, and especially for emergency situations, help is available. LaFASA’s statewide hotline 1-888-995-7273 continues to operate for free, confidential assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as well as the National Hotline at 800-656-4673. Other resources, such as a calming and de-stressing activity book and techniques to calm and de-stress, are available at the LaFASA website www.lafasa.org.

The following is a list of the coalition crisis centers serving Louisiana.

Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response Center (STAR) ALEXANDRIA
1412 Peterman Drive, Ste A
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (318) 625-7592
Crisis Line: (855) 435-7827
Parishes served: Avoyelles, Grant, Rapides, Vernon

Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response Center (STAR) BATON ROUGE
5615 Corporate Blvd., Ste 200
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (225) 615-7093
Crisis Line: (855) 435-7827
Parishes served: East Baton Rouge, Ascension, East Feliciana, West Feliciana, Iberville, Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge

Washington Parish Rape Crisis Center (ADAPT)
216 Memphis Street
Bogalusa, LA 70427
Phone: (985) 735-0160
Crisis Line: (985) 732-4961
Parishes served: Washington

The Haven
P.O. Box 4279
Houma, LA 70361
Phone: (985) 872-0757
Crisis Line: (800) 777-8868
Parishes served: Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption

Hearts of Hope
P.O. Box 53967
Lafayette, LA 70505-3967
Phone: (337) 269-1557
Crisis Line: (337) 233-7273
Parishes served: Lafayette, Iberia, Acadia, St. Martin, Vermilion, St. Mary

Oasis Sexual Violence Program
P.O. Box 276
Lake Charles, LA 70602
Phone: (337) 494-7273
Crisis Line: (866) 570-7273
Parishes Served: Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Beauregard, Allen, Cameron

PCI Sexual Assault Center  (2 OFFICES)
2900 Hearne Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71103
Phone: (318) 227-7900
Crisis Line: (318) 227-7900
Parishes served: Caddo, Bossier, Webster

PCI Sexual Assault Center
580 West Main Street
Many, LA 71449
Phone: (318) 256-6242
Crisis Line: (318) 256-6242
Parishes served: Sabine, Natchitoches, Red River, DeSoto,

Wellspring Alliance for Families
1904 Royal Ave.
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (318) 323-1505
Crisis Line: (800) 716-SAFE
Parishes served: Ouachita, Morehouse, Caldwell, East Carroll, West Carroll, Madison, Tensas, Richland, Franklin

New Orleans Family Justice Center
701 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70113
Phone: (504) 592-4005
Crisis Line: (504) 866-9554
Parishes served: New Orleans

Metro Centers for Community Advocacy
P.O. Box 10775
Jefferson, LA 70181
Phone: (504) 837-5400
Crisis Line: (504) 837-5400
Parishes served: Jefferson, St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. John, St. Charles, St. James

St. Landry – Evangeline Sexual Assault Center
539 E. Prudhomme Street
Opelousas, LA 70570
Phone: (337) 585-4673
Crisis Line: (800) 656-4673
Parishes served: St. Landry, Evangeline

Pine Hills Sexual Assault Center
P.O. Box 777
Ruston, LA 71273
Phone: (318) 255-7273
Crisis Line: (318) 255-7273
Parishes served: Lincoln, Union, Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson