Victim Services & Programs
Victim/Witness Assistance Program
Those arrested for crimes face a hard road, but the crime victims and witnesses often face many hardships too – pain, sadness, anger, financial difficulties, and confusion on how the court system works.
District Attorney Tony Clayton has appointed Victim Assistance Coordinators in each parish of the 18th Judicial District (Iberville, West Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee) specifically to help crime victims and witnesses through this difficult time. Their job is to explain the court process to victims and witnesses, keep them informed of court hearings and trial dates, and answer their questions about their case.
“We meet some of the best people at the worst time of their lives,” said Director and Pointe Coupee Coordinator Lisa Jarreau. “People don’t understand the workings of the justice system because they’ve never had to deal with it. We make a real difference because we provide empathy and understanding, and help them through this process.”
In many cases, the coordinators build relationships with the victims and witnesses because it takes some time for major crimes, like murder or rape, to go to trial. Investigation, hearings and case preparation, along with inevitable delays, all take time. “It’s a 24-7 job – victims and witnesses call us at night and on weekends, but it’s very interesting and fulfilling,” she added.
“DA Clayton made it clear to us that our program is a priority in his office – we are the most valuable resource to these victims and witnesses at a time when they are very vulnerable,” noted Coordinator Vincel Simpson. “We make sure their voices are heard.”
“Sometimes it can be a heavy burden but our job is to listen to them and make sure we are answering their questions and are assisting them in every way we can,” Simpson said. “And every victim and witness is different. We have to meet them where they are because so much about the judicial system is unfamiliar to them. We often serve as mentors and teachers, and hopefully, give hope for healing through this process.”
Iberville Coordinator Lori White noted, “We serve as liaisons between the victims and the District Attorney’s Office, someone they can easily reach out to with their questions and concerns. We schedule meetings with the victims and the Assistant District Attorney handling the case when needed, and attend court hearings and trial to keep them informed.”
“Some cases, like murders, child abuse, and domestic violence cases, can be very difficult and emotional, but we walk our victims through the process,” White said. “We also try to assist them with victim reparations whenever it applies.”
White noted that they also discuss possible pleas with victims. While the District Attorney’s Office has the final say in plea offers, DA Clayton wants to make sure the victims have a voice before any plea agreement is made. The coordinators also explain the victim’s right to present a victim impact statement during sentencing, giving them an opportunity to tell the court how the offense has impacted their lives.
“It’s an honor to help them through this and to be the expression of kindness at such a hard time,” added Simpson.
The Victim Assistance Coordinators are:
Iberville Parish: Lori White
