DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / June 21, 2000

DONALDSONVILLE – There are few jobs as important and difficult as aiding victims or the surviving families of victims in traumatic crimes.

From felony theft to assault and battery to homicide, there are hundreds upon hundreds of victims in the Ascension, Assumption and St. Jamesparishes. On average there are 600 rape victims alone per year. All victims of these crimes have something in common, and Tammy Gautreau, coordinator for the Victims’ Assistance Program, is looking to support them.

In 1997 legislation was passed to give more rights to victims of violent crimes. Before this victims or their families were not allowed in thecourtroom for fear of affecting the jury with their presence, said Gautreau.

The District Attorneys Association sponsored the legislation that gave the victims admittance to the courtroom and established the program. Eachnow has their own victim coordinator, who is funded in part by the state and supplemented by the DA’s office, said Anthony Falterman, 23rd Judicial district attorney. Louisiana is one of the leading states with thistype of legislation, added Falterman.

Often the process of the trial after the crime is difficult to understand or follow for victims and their families. The Victims Assistance Programwas developed to assist victims in their effort to follow the cases. “Noone teaches you about a trial, you just read about it in the paper,” said Gautreau. That’s where Gautreau comes in.Along with Shawna Delatte, victim’s advocate, Gautreau sends out forms to each and every victim of a felony crime to inform them of their right to their services.

If the form is filled out they are required by law to assist the victims.

Even if they don’t fill out the form or contact Gautreau, she sends them updates on the trial proceedings.

For those who desire full assistance from the program, Gautreau provides moral and emotional support and explains the trial processes through personal interviews. She helps her clients with applying for crime victimcompensation benefits, when eligible. Gautreau personally escorts themfor court appearances. She also helps refer them to local support groupsand services.

“I don’t miss any murder or rape trials,” said Gautreau. In escorting thevictims in the trials her job can be as simple as explaining what is going on or as difficult as handing tissues when needed.

The trials may go on for years, with continuances and appeals, but Gautreau keeps in contact with everyone, inquiring how they are and updating them on where the proceedings stand.

“The most difficult is homicide trials. The coordinators are there fromday one to conviction,” said Falterman.

Gautreau is pleased with the program. “Defendants have every right underthe sun. The legislation changed in 1997 to give the victims rights. Now,they can be a part of the process,” said Gautreau.

Though a difficult job, Gautreau enjoys the one-on-one assistance she is able to give her clients. “I meet a lot of good people and have made somegood friends under very difficult circumstances. We learn so much fromeach other,” she said.

Falterman added, “The coordinators really become one of the family. I seethem crying in the courtroom right along with the rest of the victims.” The response to the program has been very good. Recently having had ababy, she said that the amount of gifts brought by those she had helped built “a stack this high,” she said raising her hand high above her desk.

“They’ve adopted us into their families,” she added.

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