Published on October 10, 2017

In the United States, more than 20,000 calls are placed to domestic violence hotlines daily. An average of twenty people are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute, equating to over 10 million domestic violence victims each year.

For the past ten years, Louisiana has ranked in the top ten most dangerous states for women. Yearly, over 5,000 women living in the state, including Jane, experience some form of domestic violence.

Jane, a college student, suffered physical abuse at the hands of her boyfriend. Even when she became pregnant, the abuse continued. Finally, Jane had enough and fled her abusive relationship, seeking help from Catholic Charities’ Project SAVE (Stopping Abuse through Victim Empowerment).

Project SAVE assists Jane and other survivors of domestic violence residing in Orleans Parish to obtain free emergency legal representation. Services include temporary restraining and protection orders, temporary child support, custody, use of property and more.

Jane came to Project SAVE seeking help to acquire a civil restraining order against her abuser. Project SAVE attorney Allyson Tuttle helped Jane through several court appearances and hearings, finally obtaining a temporary restraining and a protective order for both her and her child.

Now full of hope, Jane is on her way to finishing her college education. Thanks to Project SAVE, she and her daughter can live a safe, peaceful life.