Advocacy Initiated Response (AIR) Program

What is AIR?

The Advocacy Initiated Response (AIR) Program is a domestic violence intervention designed to increase survivor safety, connect people to resources, and help disrupt violence in the community.

Launched citywide in 2024, AIR is a partnership between the New Orleans Health Department, the New Orleans Family Justice Center, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD), and the Orleans Parish Communication District.

How AIR Works

  1. Police respond to a domestic violence situation.
  2. Police may make an arrest, issue a warrant, or document what happened.
  3. An AIR advocate reviews the report and reaches out to the survivor to offer support.
  4. Together, the advocate and survivor create a safety plan and connect to resources.

What is a Safety Plan?

A safety plan is a personalized set of steps that can help reduce the risk of harm from an abusive partner. It includes strategies tailored to the survivor’s life, such as ways to stay safe at home, school, work, and other daily settings.

Support for Survivors

An AIR advocate contacts survivors within 24-72 hours of the initial police report and provide compassionate, confidential support. Referral services may include:

  • Safety planning
  • Trauma-informed counseling
  • Case management
  • Legal aid
  • Housing and childcare support
  • Help with basic needs such as food and transportation

If you need help now, call the New Orleans Family Justice Center’s 24/7 Crisis Line at (504) 866-9554.

Why AIR Matters

Domestic violence and relationship abuse account for the highest volume of 911 calls to the NOPD and are the most commonly reported violent crimes in Orleans Parish. On average, 14 New Orleanians lose their lives each year to domestic violence.

Survivors of domestic violence face significant challenges on their path to healing and safety. AIR helps shorten that journey by providing immediate, reliable support at a critical moment. AIR helps shorten that journey by providing immediate, reliable support at a critical moment.

2024 Impact at a Glance

  • 11,633 domestic violence situations referred to AIR.
  • 68% of survivors who engaged accepted a referral for services – only 2% declined services.
  • Most common domestic crimes reported included simple battery, violation of protective order, criminal damage, and aggravated assault.
  • Most frequently accessed services: case management and trauma-informed counseling.
  • Most requested support: food and transportation assistance

For more information, download the 2024 AIR Impact Report here

Need Help Now?

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

For the Louisiana Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline, call (888) 411-1333.

For local support with domestic violence, call the New Orleans Family Justice Center 24/7 Crisis Line at (504) 866-9554.

You can also contact the Louisiana 988 helpline for free, confidential emotional support available 24/7. Simply call or text 988 or chat online at Louisiana988.org.