Every crime has a victim, but not every victim has a voice with the criminal justice system. Victims often need someone to help them identify and assert their rights, and navigate the criminal justice system process, which is unfamiliar to them. The Advocate provides support and may refer the victim to counseling services. The Advocate will also assist in locating services to help ease the impact of victimization. They may speak or act on a victim's behalf; serve as a liaison between the court system and victim; and help minimize the physical, psychological, emotional, and financial impact to the victim.

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The LaSalle Parish Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate can offer information about the options available to victims and will also support the decisions made by the victim. Although victims have the right to confidentiality and privacy, laws of mandatory reporting are equally important. These laws mandate that workers in certain professions, such as victim advocacy, must make reports if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect of a vulnerable person.

Communications may be private and not subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Such information may, however, be disclosed (except information, records and other confidential information concerning pending law enforcement investigation or pending prosecution) if the Victim Advocate determines that disclosure is:

• Necessary to enable the Victim Advocate to perform her responsibilities

• Information that places a vulnerable person in danger

It is the mission of the LaSalle Parish Sheriff's Office Victim Advocate Program to help victims prevail over the trauma of victimization by assisting and advocating for safety, healing, justice, and restitution. It is also our goal to empower the victim to gain strength and security after victimization. 

Please feel free to call our Victim Advocate, Clare Wilson, at (318) 992-2067 for additional information if you need assistance.