Many times, people need a great deal of help getting back on their feet following a traumatic event. This is one reason why the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office’s crisis assistance program exists. Through this program, patrol officers can request the dispatch of a licensed counselor to venture to the scene of a secure crime incident and assist the victim or family of the victim of violent crimes or unusual incidents that could warrant a professional counselor. The patrol officer is then free to continue his duty of investigating the incident. This counselor will stay with the victim or victim’s family as along as needed and provide follow-up with the victim or family.
Allyson O’Connor has been a licensed clinical counselor for the past 20 years and serves as one of the program’s counselors. She said the greatest reward she finds in the job is the chance to empower people to find success after greatly trying and difficult times in their lives.
In order to help each person, O’Connor says the tasks to accomplish for her position change depending on the needs of the individual requiring assistance. Some people may need to be directed to the domestic violence unit. Others may need one-on-one counseling. It can also entail helping a person find potential employment, schooling or basic housing and shelter.
In many cases, the ultimate goal is to help someone who has been victimized reestablish control of their life.
“We help them find the best and necessary resources that will allow them to move on,” O’Connor said.
O’Connor said another focus is helping an individual identify their existing support systems in their lives and helping them maximize the use of that network. Another key point is determining what a person’s already existing coping mechanisms are and helping them adapt those skills to their environment.
“We look at ways to reduce anxiety and minimize depression symptoms,” O’Connor said. “We teach about the circle of violence and what that entails. We connect them with a support group.”
She said that the crisis assistance program tries to get involved in a necessary situation within 24 hours, if possible.
The work is truly rewarding, she said, and responses have been truly touching, at times.
“Some people have written some beautiful letters to say thank you,” O’Connor said. “Having the ability to rely on someone when they feel like nobody is available, to have somebody that believes in them, it goes such a long way.”
A partnership between United Way of St. Charles, River Region Wellness Collaborative, and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office goes a long way toward making the endeavor possible.
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