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This guide is intended for people in Lafayette, Louisiana. If you are in a different Lafayette city in the United States, state laws may differ and you should confirm local rules with a lawyer in your state. Sexual abuse is a broad term that includes any nonconsensual sexual contact or conduct, as well as sexual offenses involving minors who cannot legally consent. In Louisiana, these offenses can be pursued in both criminal court and civil court. Survivors may seek protection orders, cooperate with law enforcement, and pursue compensation for physical, emotional, and financial harm.
Louisiana law recognizes many sex offenses, including rape, sexual battery, indecent behavior with juveniles, molestation of a juvenile, and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. The Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff investigate cases, and the 15th Judicial District Attorney prosecutes criminal charges. Survivors can also bring civil claims against individuals and, where appropriate, institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse.
Survivors and families often face complex legal and practical decisions. A lawyer can help you:
- Understand your rights in both criminal and civil systems, including the differences between them.
- Apply for a temporary or long-term protective order, even if you do not have a domestic relationship with the offender.
- Communicate with police and prosecutors, assert your rights as a victim, and prepare for interviews or court appearances.
- Preserve evidence and navigate medical and forensic options such as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner exam.
- Evaluate potential civil claims against private or public institutions such as schools, churches, employers, rideshare companies, property owners, or event venues.
- Calculate damages and seek compensation for therapy, medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Track time limits and filing requirements, which are highly time-sensitive and can be different for adults and children.
- Protect your privacy and minimize contact with the accused through court orders and advocacy with agencies.
Criminal offenses and definitions. Louisiana law defines a range of sex offenses, including rape, sexual battery, second-degree sexual battery, oral sexual battery, misdemeanor sexual battery, indecent behavior with juveniles, molestation of a juvenile, pornography involving juveniles, and human trafficking for sexual activity. Consent is central to many charges. A person cannot consent if they are under the age of consent, unconscious, asleep, incapacitated, or coerced by force, threats, or certain positions of authority.
Investigation and prosecution in Lafayette. Reports may be made to the Lafayette Police Department or the Lafayette Parish Sheriff. The 15th Judicial District Attorney reviews cases and decides on charges. Survivors have the right to be informed, to confer with the prosecutor, and to make statements at key stages. Parallel civil cases can proceed separately from a criminal case.
Protective orders and no-contact orders. In addition to criminal stay-away conditions set by a court, Louisiana provides civil sexual assault protective orders that do not require a domestic relationship. Survivors can also seek domestic abuse or stalking protective orders when applicable. Temporary orders can be issued quickly, followed by a hearing for a longer order. Violations of protective orders can lead to arrest and additional charges.
Forensic exams and medical care. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner services are available in the Lafayette area through local hospitals. A survivor can obtain a forensic exam even if they are undecided about making a police report. The cost of the forensic portion of the exam is not billed to the survivor. Preserving evidence promptly can be important, but survivors should prioritize safety and medical needs.
Civil lawsuits. Survivors may pursue civil claims against the perpetrator and, where appropriate, against institutions that were negligent in hiring, supervision, security, or reporting. Common civil theories include negligence, negligent supervision, negligent training, negligent security, vicarious liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Civil lawsuits can obtain compensation and institutional reforms through injunctive relief.
Time limits. Louisiana has specific time limits for filing criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Serious sex offenses may have extended or no criminal limitation periods, especially when the victim was a child. Civil time limits can differ for adult and child survivors, and Louisiana has enacted special rules for child sexual abuse, including past revival periods and ongoing legal challenges that may affect deadlines. Because these rules change, consult a Louisiana attorney as soon as possible to identify current deadlines that apply to your situation.
Victims rights and privacy. Louisiana law provides victims with rights to be notified, present, and heard at many stages. The law limits disclosure of certain identifying information of sex crime victims in public records. Louisiana evidence rules include rape-shield protections that restrict inquiries into a survivor's sexual history except in narrow circumstances.
Mandatory reporting for children. Professionals such as teachers, health care providers, counselors, clergy subject to limited privilege, and law enforcement are mandated reporters for suspected child abuse and must report to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services or law enforcement. Anyone may report suspected child abuse in good faith.
Your safety comes first. Consider getting to a safe place, calling 911 if you are in danger, and seeking medical care. If you can, avoid bathing, changing clothes, or cleaning the area until you decide about a forensic exam, since those actions can affect evidence. You can contact a confidential advocate for support and help navigating options. You do not need to decide about police reporting right away to receive medical care.
No. Louisiana allows survivors to receive a forensic exam without immediately filing a police report. The forensic portion of the exam is not billed to the survivor. Evidence can be preserved to keep options open while you decide about reporting.
Time limits vary based on the specific offense, the age of the victim at the time, and other factors. Some serious crimes have long or no criminal limitation periods. Civil deadlines for adult survivors and child survivors differ, and Louisiana has special rules for child sexual abuse that have changed in recent years. Because deadlines are complex and time-sensitive, speak with a Louisiana attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing your window to act.
Louisiana protects certain identifying information of sex crime victims from disclosure in public records. Courts can also allow the use of initials or pseudonyms in some civil cases. Ask your lawyer about privacy protections and what steps can be taken to reduce public exposure.
Yes. Louisiana provides sexual assault protective orders that do not require a domestic relationship. You can also seek criminal no-contact orders as part of a prosecution. Temporary civil protective orders can be obtained quickly, followed by a hearing for a longer order.
You may still have options. Time limits for child sexual abuse and some adult claims can extend for many years, and past laws created revival opportunities for claims that were previously time-barred. The details are evolving in Louisiana courts. Consult a lawyer promptly to assess current deadlines and potential exceptions.
Possibly. If an institution created or allowed a dangerous situation, failed to supervise, ignored complaints, hired or retained a dangerous employee, or provided inadequate security, you may have civil claims against that institution. A lawyer can investigate records, prior incidents, and policies to evaluate negligence or vicarious liability.
Being intoxicated does not mean you consented. If you were incapacitated or unable to consent, sexual activity can constitute a crime. Your credibility and memory can still be supported by other evidence, witnesses, digital data, location records, and medical findings.
Lawyers help protect your rights, coordinate with law enforcement, pursue protective orders, and build civil claims. Many civil attorneys handle sexual abuse cases on a contingency fee, meaning you pay no upfront legal fee and the lawyer is paid a percentage only if they recover money for you. Ask about costs, fee structures, and victim compensation programs that can help with expenses.
Suspected child abuse should be reported to the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services or law enforcement. Schools, doctors, counselors, and other professionals must report suspected abuse. Child victims can receive specialized forensic interviews and advocacy services. Parents and guardians can seek protective orders, safety plans, and counseling through local providers.
Emergency. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
Hearts of Hope - Sexual Trauma Center of Acadiana. 24-hour support and advocacy for Lafayette and surrounding parishes. Phone 337-269-1557.
Lafayette Police Department. Non-emergency line. Phone 337-291-8600.
Lafayette Parish Sheriff Victim Services. Phone 337-232-9211.
15th Judicial District Attorney - Victim Assistance Program. Serving Lafayette Parish. Phone 337-232-5170.
Louisiana Crime Victims Reparations Program - Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement. Phone 225-342-1749 or 888-684-2846.
Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services - Child Abuse Hotline. Phone 855-452-5437.
National Sexual Assault Hotline - RAINN. Phone 800-656-4673.
Hospitals with SANE access in the Lafayette area include Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center. Call ahead if possible to confirm SANE availability.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Title IX Office for students and staff. Phone 337-482-6359.
1. Prioritize safety. Get to a safe location and call 911 if needed. Consider contacting a trusted friend, family member, or advocate for support.
2. Seek medical care. Consider a forensic exam as soon as possible, even if you have not decided about police reporting. Tell providers you want an exam so evidence can be preserved.
3. Preserve evidence. Save clothing, bedding, messages, photos, and any potential evidence. Avoid deleting texts, emails, or social media messages. Keep a journal of what happened and any symptoms.
4. Consider a protective order. If you fear continued contact or retaliation, a lawyer or advocate can help you file for a temporary protective order that can be issued quickly.
5. Consult a lawyer early. An attorney can explain your options, protect your privacy, communicate with investigators, and track time limits for both criminal and civil actions.
6. Engage support services. Advocacy centers can accompany you to exams and interviews, connect you with counseling, and assist with safety planning and victim compensation applications.
7. Avoid discussing the case publicly. Refrain from posting about the incident on social media. Direct any inquiries to your lawyer or advocate.
8. Keep deadlines on your radar. Louisiana deadlines are complex and can change. Prompt legal advice helps protect your rights to compensation and safety measures.
This guide provides general information about sexual abuse law and resources in Lafayette, Louisiana. It is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a qualified Louisiana attorney.
