VOTE advocates for the rights of crime survivors through our partnership with Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ).

CSSJ is a network of nearly 6,000 survivors dedicated to healing, recovery, and smart justice policies that can strengthen our communities and prevent crime. CSSJ already has chapters in Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Fresno, Stockton, Sacramento, San Diego and through this partnership, New Orleans.

What we believe:
-We can create a justice system that prioritizes healing, prevention, rehabilitation and recovery—not more prisons and jails 
-Survivors of crime need and deserve avenues to share their stories. 
-The perspectives of individuals and communities impacted by crime should inform criminal justice responses and policies, not pushed to the sidelines  

CSSJ works to achieve its goals by:
-Growing a nationwide network via local chapters to advocate for policies that best serve those impacted by crime and that stop cycles of victimization 
-Conducting research with survivors across the nation to identify priority needs-and to inform policymakers on how to support victims 
-Advocating for smarter policies on the state and local level that invest in strengthen communities impacted by crime  

Together, we are sharing our stories and advocating for smarter policies that can prevent crime, improve the justice system, and better support survivors, our families and our communities. To get involved, please contact Ariel Jeanjacques at 504-535-3039 or check out CSSJ's website.