WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?
Sexual assault is a broad term. As such, the state of Louisiana does not have only one sexual assault designation: it can include rape, sexual battery, obscenity, and much, much more. In the most general of terms, sexual assault is any act of unwanted sexual contact without a person’s consent, including any threats, coercion, and manipulation. If you are the victim of sexual assault, contact our New Orleans Sexual Assault attorney today and take immediate action:
First and Foremost, get yourself to safety if you have been sexually assaulted.
Seek medical attention. Ensure your health is safeguarded and the attack is medically documented before you do anything else. Hospitals and clinics have medical staff who are trained to investigate sexual trauma. Even if you are unsure if you want to pursue charges after the assault, having a medical professional collect and preserve evidence is essential to any future action. If you wait too long to see a doctor this critical evidence could degrade or disappear, thereby making it substantially more difficult for the police and your sexual assault attorney to build their case against the wrongdoer.
Report the incident. Speaking out after a sexual assault in New Orleans can be challenging. You likely feel upset and confused, especially if your attacker was someone you once loved and trusted. Some victims find it impossible to find their voice in a crisis. It is important to know that you did nothing wrong. If you are unsure about filing a police report, you should speak with a friend or family member about what happened to you. If you wish to remain anonymous, reach out to a survivors’ advocacy organization, such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Save evidence. Criminal and civil sexual assault cases in Louisiana often hinge on the availability of reliable evidence. Even if you did not report the assault to the police or other authorities, you should still preserve evidence of the assault. Set aside the clothes you were wearing by placing them inside a sealed bag or another container. Take screen shots of the perpetrator’s dating profile, text messages, social media pages, and any other digital foot print that you can find online. If you later decide to take action, the evidence you saved could be examined to provide proof of the perpetrator’s wrongdoing.
Find an attorney. When you are ready, contact an experienced New Orleans Sexual Assault Attorney.
Legal Representation
New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney Elizabeth B. Carpenter wants to help you try to hold your abuser accountable. We are experienced with handling sexual assault cases and understand that victims often feel confused and hopeless. If you or a loved one needs legal assistance, contact our office today.
Disclaimer:
Laws and policies can change at any time rendering the above information outdated or non-applicable. We strongly encourage you to look at City, Parish, and State statutes for the most recent laws and to consult a Louisiana licensed attorney.