ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault includes a wide range of unwanted sexual behaviors, including rape, attempted rape, unwanted touching, sexual coercion, forced sexual acts, and other non-consensual sexual contact. Consent must be freely given, informed, and ongoing, and a person who is unconscious, impaired, threatened, or coerced cannot legally give consent. 

Sexual violence affects people of all backgrounds, genders, ages, and identities. Survivors may know the person who harmed them, including a partner, acquaintance, family member, coworker, or friend. Sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. 

Survivors have the right to receive medical care and emotional support following a sexual assault. Advocates can provide support during forensic exams, often referred to as rape kit examinations, while helping survivors understand their rights and options throughout the process.

The Family Justice Center offers trauma-informed advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling referrals, and connections to community resources designed to support survivors and their families during difficult and overwhelming situations. 

Healing after sexual assault looks different for every survivor. Through counseling, support services, legal advocacy, and community partnerships, survivors can access resources that promote emotional healing, safety, empowerment, and long-term recovery

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available. Survivors deserve to be believed, supported, and treated with dignity and compassion. The Family Justice Center of Central Louisiana is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where survivors can access services, resources, and hope for the future. Have a question or a suggestion? We're always here to help. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.