Louisiana Statewide Hotline:

Network for Louisiana Battered Women’s Programs has its first meeting. With the assistance of grants from the Women’s Advocacy Bureau and the Regional Technical Assistance Center on Domestic Violence, the coalition established a group of nine programs working for battered women and children.  

NLBWP changes its name to Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. A year of firsts: president and secretary appointed by-laws drafted articles of incorporation developed statewide domestic violence conference held

LCADV is incorporated as a private nonprofit corporation.

LCADV recommends to member programs to commit to hiring battered women and women of color for both administrative and direct service positions. The first Formerly Battered Women’s Task Force and Women of Color Task Force both meet.

LCADV receives 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. LCADV 501(c)(3) IRS Determination Letter

Carol Cox joined LCADV as it’s first part-time coordinator.

Patsy Taylor joined LCADV as it’s first full time coordinator.

Standards for batterer intervention programs and for training program workers developed. Appendix C LCADV BIP Standards (1997)

Merni Carter is hired as LCADV’s Executive Director.

The coalition opens a new office in Baton Rouge, made possible by a donation from the Columbia Medical Center.

The first Hands and Hearts Conference takes place for advocates to come together to attend workshops and learn about advances in the field.

Statewide domestic violence hotline established with the support of OWS.

In 2003, LCADV began the Supervised Visitation Center Project funded by the DOJ Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Grant. With the assistance of a statewide advisory committee, LCADV drafted best practice policies and standards. 3 visitation centers were opened across the state – Avoyelles Parish, Acadia Parish, and Lafourche Parish. LCADV Supervised Visitation Center Project 2003  

Hurricane Katrina closes the doors of four residential shelters and two non-residential programs in the New Orleans area. SAFE HANDS: The Allstate Network for Empowering Women provides funding to LCADV to help survivors relocate.  The grants are used for moving costs, rent or utility payments, and down payments and security deposits for housing as the survivors rebuild their lives. In September, the New York-based Ms. Foundation creates the Katrina Women’s Response Fund and donates $15,000 to LCADV.

The coalition holds an event titled “A Snapshot of Domestic Violence in Louisiana: A Walk in My Shoes” at the State Capitol. One thousand pairs of women’s shoes are displayed on the steps to the capitol building to symbolize victims who lost their lives to domestic violence.

Beth Meeks is hired as executive director of the coalition.

LCADV celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Report to Louisiana Legislature submitted by BIP Task Force, coordinated by LCADV BIP Report to Legislature 02.05.12

Immediate divorce for domestic violence victims passes. This created a no divorce waiting period for victims of domestic or sexual abuse. C:\TEMP\Copy of SB292 Act (rev 0).wpd (la.gov)      

State level firearm protections passes restricting abusers access to firearms.

Law that created residential lease agreement protections for survivors of domestic violence passed. ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)

LCADV created the Louisiana Domestic Violence Disaster Fund after March and August flooding impacts shelters. NFL donates 20k to fund. NFL Flood Gift Press Release

Coalition expands by adding legal department and systems advocacy positions.

Mariah Wineski hired as the Executive Director of the coalition. Coalition Announces New Executive Director

Changes the definition of “household member” in Louisiana’s domestic abuse criminal statutes to include cohabiting couples of the same sex  and dating partners were legislative accomplishments this year. Legislative Passage 2017 ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov) ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)

Launch of the Financial Empowerment Program and Survivor Stability Fund for savings match, credit repair, and financial education in partnership with local programs. LCADV Survivor Stability Fund FAQ

Bill that created a statewide process for the transfer of firearms from those convicted of domestic abuse battery, battery of a dating partner, and violation of protection order passed. ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)

Bill that required proof of services of protection orders sent to LPOR passed. ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)

Law passed that made interfering with emergency communications a crime. ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)

Law passed that limits the use of material witness warrants to incarcerate victims of sex offenses and domestic violence who refuse to testify against their abusers. ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)

LCADV launches the Legal Access Network that pays private attorneys across Louisiana to represent survivors in cases such as protection orders, custody, divorce, and immigration. Legal Access Network Flyer

LCADV launches the Flexible Housing program to promote housing security among domestic violence survivors. Flex Housing Press Release

Bill passes that creates a domestic violence fatality review team within the Louisiana Department of Health. ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)

Bill passes that removes the requirement for a notarized affidavit on TRO petitions. ViewDocument.aspx (la.gov)