Louisiana Survivor Financial Security Policy Scorecard

How well does Louisiana support survivors’ financial security?

I have struggled through many difficult things, but nothing like [COVID19] - I lost my job completely, my kids were home which increases food and bills. I've been establishing a life independent from ex-abusive partner, and it's been so hard to support my family because there are so few options to find work. As an immigrant I can't get unemployment or stimulus support.
— Survivor from Louisiana
State Overall Score:
some accountability

This state somewhat considers survivors’ financial security in a few policies, but has a lot of work to do

Breakdown of Score by Category
We cannot begin to address economic abuse (which occurs in 99% of intimate partner violence cases) without properly defining it in state laws.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetThe state’s definition includes controlling, regulating, and depleting a survivor’s financial resources

Criteria Not MetThe state’s definition includes damaging a survivor's credit or ability to obtain credit

Criteria Not MetThe state’s definition includes preventing a survivor’s access or ability to access financial resources and other resources including the ability to work and/or ability to pursue education or job training

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetA definition that explicitly excludes economic abuse or tactics

A safe work environment for a survivor includes protection from discrimination, the ability to request reasonable accommodations without fear of job loss or retaliation, and guaranteed confidentiality of their status as a survivor.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetEmployers are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against employees based on their status as a survivor

Criteria Not MetProtections against discrimination and retaliation are available to all employees regardless of employer type, sector, and employee status (PT/FT)

Criteria Not MetEmployers must make reasonable accommodations available for survivors

Criteria Not MetReasonable accommodation requirements apply to all employers regardless of employer type, sector, and employee status (PT/FT)

Criteria Not MetEmployers must keep employees’ survivor status confidential

Criteria Not MetConfidentiality requirements apply to all employers regardless of employer type, sector, and employee status (PT/FT)

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access protections, or can access protections with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred

Criteria Not MetEmployers are prohibited from requiring survivors or job applicants in general to include credit report information on job applications

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that intimate partner violence has occurred to access protections

Related sources:

No Safe Workplaces resources found for Louisiana.

Survivors in the U.S. lose an estimated 8 million days of paid work each year dealing with the consequences of the intimate partner violence they’ve experienced. Paid and protected leave ensures survivors do not jeopardize their financial security or risk unemployment by taking time off.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are given leave from work to deal with the consequences of abuse

Criteria Not MetLeave is guaranteed paid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors who take leave are protected from job loss, discrimination and retaliation

Criteria Not MetSurvivors get at least 10 days of leave annually

Criteria Not MetLeave does not deplete accrued time off (i.e., sick leave, vacation)

Criteria Not MetLeave is available to all employees regardless of employer, sector or employee status (PT/FT)

Criteria Not MetLeave policy provides an exhaustive list of reasons to take time off for work to deal with the consequences of abuse

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access leave, or can access leave with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred

Criteria Not MetEmployers must keep employees’ reasoning for leave and related documentation confidential

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that intimate partner violence has occurred in order to access leave

Related sources:

No Paid and Protective Leave resources found for Louisiana.

UI is a benefit to cover lost wages for authorized U.S. workers who have been laid off. Typically, those who leave or quit a job without a ‘just cause’ are ineligible to receive UI. However, survivors should remain eligible to receive UI if they need to leave or quit their job due to the harm they experience.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors who must leave or quit work due to intimate partner violence remain eligible for benefits

Criteria Not MetState provides 100% wage replacement for survivors of intimate partner violence

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access the program, or can access it with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that intimate partner violence has occurred to access the program

Litigation abuse occurs when a harm-doer misuses the legal and court system to further harm and control survivors. There are necessary protections needed in the court system to prevent harm-doers from committing litigation abuse against survivors.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetState protects survivors from litigation abuse by their harm-doer

Criteria Not MetThe policy includes a broad definition of litigation to include any kind of legal action or proceeding

Criteria Not MetThe policy requires harm-doers using litigation abuse tactics to pay all attorney’s fees and costs incurred by a survivor

Criteria Not MetThe policy permits the dismissal with prejudice of any action in which a harm-doer is found to have committed litigation abuse

Criteria Not MetThe policy requires attorneys that participate in litigation abuse to pay the survivor’s attorney’s fees

Adverse policies this state should avoid

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Related sources:

No Litigation Abuse Protections resources found for Louisiana.

Survivors of IPV should not be required to pay spousal support (aka alimony) to someone that has caused them harm and subjected them to economic abuse during or after divorce or separation proceedings.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are exempted from paying spousal support during divorce or separation proceedings

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are exempted from paying spousal support after divorce or separation proceedings

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are either not required to prove that they were subjected to IPV to access the spousal support exemption or can access it with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party, including doctors, therapists, IPV service providers, and friends, that IPV occurred.

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that IPV has occurred in order to access the spousal support exemption

Survivors should not be held solely responsible for paying the expenses related to the harm they’ve experienced. Survivors should be afforded the right to bring a civil lawsuit against their harm-doer to recoup the costs of that harm.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors have the right to sue their harm-doers through a designated intimate partner or violence gender-based violence tort

Criteria Not MetStatute of limitations applicable to designated tort or torts that arise out of intimate partner or gender-based violence is at least 5 years

Criteria Not MetStatute of limitations applicable to designated tort or torts that arise out of intimate partner or gender-based violence is at least 20 years in cases of brain injury and / or a disability

Criteria Not MetThe designated tort is structured as a continuing tort

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetDesignated tort excludes any gender identities and sexualities

Related sources:

No Designated Tort for Intimate Partner Violence resources found for Louisiana.

Compensation is available in every state for victims of crime to help pay for their expenses. While there are federal limitations on how the program is operated, this category considers the areas in which states can improve the accessibility and impact of the compensation program for survivors.

Positive policies this state has

Criteria MetSurvivors can appeal eligibility determination

Criteria MetSurvivors can appeal amount awarded

Criteria MetCompensation is available to people who are undocumented

Criteria MetEmergency / expedited awards are available in cases of financial hardship

Criteria MetFunds are available to cover the cost of attorneys’ fees incurred in applying for compensation

Adverse policies this state has

Criteria MetSurvivors are required to submit a police report as part of the application process

Criteria MetSurvivors are required to cooperate with law enforcement for the investigation and / or prosecution of the crime

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetThere is no deadline to apply for compensation

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are not required to report the crime to police within a specific timeframe to be eligible for compensation

Criteria Not MetCompensation is available to cover the cost of attorneys’ fees incurred in other legal proceedings related to intimate partner violence

Criteria Not MetCompensation awards are available to cover the cost of coerced and fraudulent debt

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetCompensation is not available to survivors with a criminal record

Survivors are experts in their own experience and know what is best for them. Guaranteed income programs and similar unrestricted cash allow survivors the flexibility and autonomy to meet their needs as they see fit.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetState funding is allocated for a direct cash assistance pilot or a permanent program for survivors

Criteria Not MetThe program or pilot does not require income limits

Criteria Not MetThe program or pilot offers multiple ways for survivors to receive cash

Criteria Not MetIncome from the pilot or program does not impact a survivor’s eligibility for safety-net programs (i.e. TANF, SNAP, and Medicare)

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are either not required to prove that they were subjected to IPV to access the income program/pilot or can access it with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party, including doctors, therapists, IPV service providers, and friends, that IPV occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that IPV has occurred in order to access the program or pilot

Related sources:

No Guaranteed Income for Survivors resources found for Louisiana.

Economic abuse often extends to tax filings. Harm-doers may falsely claim a survivor and/or their children as dependent and intercept tax refunds that rightfully belong to a survivor. Survivors need protections that cater to their specific needs and situations, including a tax debt relief process and the ability to recoup a tax refund

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetThe state has an innocent spouse tax debt relief process for a spouse who has been subjected to IPV

Criteria Not MetThe state has an injured spouse relief process for a spouse who has been subjected to IPV to recoup the tax refund incorrectly sent to a harm-doer

Criteria Not MetThe state has a designated internal group within the state tax board to support survivors in safeguarding against and recovering from IPV-related tax fraud

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are either not required to prove that they have been subjected to IPV to access the program or can access it with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party, including doctors, therapists, GBV service providers, and friends, that IPV occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that IPV occurred to access tax protections or relief

State-level tax credit like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) give survivors a much needed extra boost of money in their tax refund each year. Studies have shown that benefits like EITC lift people out of poverty and supports both their short-term and long- term financial security.

Positive policies this state has

Criteria MetThe state has an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program

Criteria MetThe state EITC is refundable

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetTax filers who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) are eligible to receive state EITC

Criteria Not MetSelf-employed filers are eligible to receive state EITC

Criteria Not MetUnpaid caregivers are eligible to receive state EITC

Criteria Not MetThe state has a CTC

Criteria Not MetThe state CTC is refundable

Criteria Not MetParents or guardians filing with an ITIN for the state CTC remain eligible for the credit for their dependent(s)/child(ren)

Adverse policies this state should avoid

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

SNAP is a federal food assistance program administered at the state-level. 80% of survivors rely on SNAP to meet their basic needs. States can take action to make SNAP more accessible to survivors through certain exemptions and/or special considerations.

Positive policies this state has

Criteria MetSurvivors are eligible for exemptions or deferments from work or job training SNAP requirements

Criteria MetSurvivors are eligible for SNAP specific exemptions or special considerations without having to apply through a shelter or other intimate partner violence service provider organization

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are eligible for expedited enrollment into the program

Criteria Not MetSurvivors can remove harm-doers from listed household members on SNAP applications or renewals

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are eligible for benefit replacement when applying for a separate household from their harm doer

Criteria Not MetCase managers are required to provide SNAP special considerations to survivors

Criteria Not MetAll applicants are required to receive information about SNAP special considerations and exemptions for survivors

Criteria Maybe MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access SNAP exemptions or special considerations, or can access them with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that intimate partner violence occurred to access exemptions and / or special considerations

TANF is a federal cash assistance program administered at the state-level. Two thirds of survivors rely on TANF to address their basic needs. States can take action to make the program more accessible to survivors through certain exemptions and / or special considerations.

Positive policies this state has

Criteria MetSurvivors are eligible for exemptions or deferments from work or job training TANF requirements

Criteria MetSurvivors are eligible for time-limit exemptions or deferrals

Criteria MetSurvivors are eligible for TANF specific exemptions and special considerations without having to apply through a shelter or other intimate partner violence service provider organization

Criteria MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access TANF exemptions or special considerations, or can access them with a sworn statement by either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred required

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetCase managers are required to provide TANF special considerations to survivors

Criteria Not MetAll applicants are required to receive information about TANF special considerations and exemptions for survivors

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that intimate partner violence has occurred to access TANF exemptions or special considerations

Undocumented survivors oftentimes risk contact with immigration officials and deportation in seeking protection from a harm-doer and support services. Undocumented survivors have the right to have access to services that support their healing and recovery without the fear of deportation.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or a similar program regardless of immigration status

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or a similar program regardless of immigration status

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are eligible for Medicare or similar program regardless of immigration status

Criteria Not MetUndocumented survivors who seek support and services from law enforcement are protected from being arrested, detained, and / or transferred to immigration enforcement due to their undocumented status

Criteria Not MetLocal and state agencies are prohibited from conducting immigration arrests

Criteria Not MetLocal and state agencies are prohibited from assisting or facilitating immigration arrests, which includes prohibiting ICE transfers

Criteria Not MetUndocumented survivors are either not required to prove that they were subjected to IPV to access the program or can access it with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party, including doctors, therapists, IPV service providers, and friends, that IPV occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetUndocumented urvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that IPV has occurred in order to access protections

Related sources:

No Services and Protections for Undocumented Survivors resources found for Louisiana.

There are approximately 28.4 million survivors that are currently banked and underserved in the U.S. In fact, only half of survivors report having access to a safe bank account that is protected from their harm-doer. Survivors must be afforded protections so their money and assets are kept safe and they can begin building the financial security necessary for long-term safety.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetFinancial institutions operating within the state are required to be trained in intimate partner violence or economic abuse

Criteria Not MetFinancial institutions operating in the state are required to designate internal team to handle survivor accounts

Criteria Not MetFinancial institutions operating in the state are required to implement procedures and policies that create protections against unintended disclosures of survivors’ contact information and addresses.

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access protections, or can access them with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that intimate partner violence occurred to access protections

Related sources:

No Safe Banking Protections resources found for Louisiana.

Coerced and fraudulent debt (which 52% of survivors experience) occurs when a harm-doer incurs debt in a survivors’ name without their knowledge or consent. Coerced and fraudulent debt financially devastates a survivor, damages their credit (42% of survivors report damage to their credit and an additional 14% haven’t checked their credit score) and causes additional hurdles to their financial freedom. State action must protect survivors from such debt and provide necessary relief.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors have the right to sue their harm-doers for coerced and fraudulent debt through a designated tort

Criteria Not MetCreditors and/or debt collectors operating within the state are required to be trained in intimate partner violence, coerced and fraudulent debt or economic abuse

Criteria Not MetState law provides survivors with relief from debt collection practices relating to coerced or fraudulent debt

Criteria Not MetState law provides survivors with relief from the obligation to pay for coerced or fraudulent debt

Criteria Not MetThe state’s definition of identity theft includes coerced and fraudulent debt and economic abuse

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access debt protections, or can access them with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that intimate partner violence occurred to access protections

Related sources:

No Coerced and Fraudulent Debt Protections resources found for Louisiana.

Rental protections are essential to a survivor's housing security and an important part of their long-term safety. Rental protections include the ability to terminate a lease early without penalties and omit credit scores on rental applications.

Positive policies this state has

Criteria MetSurvivors are eligible to terminate a lease early

Criteria MetEarly lease termination does not result in any penalties including future rent, deduction of deposits or other costs

Criteria MetLandlords are prohibited from evicting someone based on incidents of intimate partner violence

Criteria MetLandlords are prohibited from discriminating against survivors who are rental applicants or tenants

Criteria MetSurvivors are not responsible for property damage as a result of intimate partner violence

Adverse policies this state has

Criteria MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving intimate partner violence occurred to access protections

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetEarly lease termination eligibility remains in place regardless of whether a known harm-doer is on the rental lease agreement

Criteria Not MetSurvivors can omit their credit scores on rental applications

Criteria Not MetEviction protections remain in place regardless of whether a known harm-doer has entered the property and/or rental unit

Criteria Not MetLandlords are held liable to the tenant for any damages as a result of violating rental protections stated in the law

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are not required to prove that they were subjected to intimate partner violence to access protections, or can access them with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party that intimate partner violence occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetFrequent calls to law enforcement or complaints related to IPV incidences label a property as a “public nuisance”

Refusing to cover mental health related services, charging high premiums and co-pays for all medical services, and/or only covering portions of costly medical treatments such as hospital stays, insurance providers are contributing to the high cost of IPV for survivors.

Positive policies this state has

Criteria MetPublic and private health insurance policies are prohibited from discriminating against a survivor

Criteria MetPublic and private health insurance policies are prohibited from charging survivors higher insurance premiums, co-pays, and other health insurance-related costs

Criteria MetPublic and private health insurance policies are prohibited from excluding or limiting coverage for IPV-related injuries and other harms

Adverse policies this state has

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetPublic and private health insurance companies must keep a person’s survivor status confidential

Criteria Maybe MetSurvivors are either not required to prove that they were subjected to IPV to access health insurance protections or can access it with a sworn statement from either the survivor or a qualified third party, including doctors, therapists, IPV service providers, and friends, that IPV occurred

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are required to produce a protective order or police report proving that IPV has occurred in order to access health insurance protections

Barriers to the voting process make it challenging for survivors of IPV to safely vote. Removing barriers to this process can allow for more survivors to participate in elections.

Positive policies this state has

Criteria MetSurvivors are able to keep their address and other contact information off of publicly available voter registration records

Criteria MetThe state allows those under the age of 18 to pre-register to vote

Criteria MetThe state allows for online voter registration

Criteria MetAll registered voters are eligible to vote early

Adverse policies this state has

Criteria MetVoters are required to show identification prior to casting a ballot

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are able to keep their address and other contact information off of publicly available voter registration records without having to be a part of the address confidentiality program

Criteria Not MetThe state allows same-day voter registration in all public elections

Criteria Not MetThe state allows those with a convicted criminal history to vote, regardless of conviction type or level

Criteria Not MetThe state allows those who are in pre-trial detention or serving jail or prison sentences to register to vote

Criteria Not MetThe state allows those who are in pre-trial detention or serving jail or prison sentences to vote

Criteria Not MetAll registered voters are able to vote by mail

Criteria Not MetEmployers are required to provide employees some time off to vote

Criteria Not MetTime off to vote requirement is available to all employees regardless of employer type, sector, and employee status (PT/FT)

Criteria Not MetTime off to vote is guaranteed paid

Criteria Not MetThe state makes Election Day a holiday

Adverse policies this state should avoid

This state does not have adverse policies in this section.

Survivor experiences and research shows that involving law enforcement in responses to intimate partner violence can cause more harm to survivors and their families. Survivors should be able to decide when and how they want to involve law enforcement.

Positive policies this state has

This state does not have model policies in this section.

Adverse policies this state has

Criteria MetMandatory arrest requirements for calls related to intimate partner violence

Criteria MetHealthcare providers or professionals are required to report suspected or known injuries caused by IPV to law enforcement

Positive policies this state should adopt

Criteria Not MetState has a task force or something similar to study, design and/or implement non-law enforcement responses to intimate partner violence

Criteria Not MetState provides options for non-law enforcement first responders to intimate partner violence

Criteria Not MetSurvivors are able to drop criminal proceedings against their harm-doer with negatively impacting their ability to access resources

Adverse policies this state should avoid

Criteria Not Met“No-drop” policies

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