When a violent crime is committed, we focus on the perpetrators: “Will they be caught? Will they be punished?” Meanwhile, the families of victims endure their media moment, and our attention moves on.

The social workers of the SilenceIsViolence Victim Allies Project arrive at every violent crime scene to provide victims and their families with grief support, emergency assistance, safe housing for witnesses, and guidance during their journey through the criminal justice system. SilenceIsViolence does not receive government support, but the New Orleans Police Department, Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff’s Office, Orleans Parish District Attorney, Orleans Parish Coroner, and Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office all depend on us for victim and witness services.

SilenceIsViolence also provides arts-based violence intervention workshops for students and youth, blending therapy with creativity and directly addressing the impact of violence on young people. We amplify and activate young, creative voices toward solutions.