Sexual violence can impact all people, regardless of age, ethnicity, race or socio-economic status. Although sexual violence is prevalent in our society, fewer than half of rapes are reported in the U.S. In Northeast Louisiana, the rate of reported sexual assaults is above the national average (see nearby Fact Sheet for more information).
To help raise awareness in our community, The Wellspring is offering a free sexual assault awareness poster, fact sheet, booklets with prevention tips, and public presentations for schools or groups, all to help adults and kids stay safer from sexual assault. Click on the links at right to read about and download these informative materials. You can also get print copies of these materials by mail by calling (318) 651-9314. To schedule a free presentation for your school or group about preventing sexual assault, contact us at the numbers given below.
For more information about or help for sexual assault, contact us:
The Wellspring Counseling and Family Development Center 24/7 Phone Lines:
(318) 323-1505 or 1-800-716-7233
Family Justice Center: (318) 998-6030 (during regular business hours)
To schedule a free presentation for a school, church, or community group, call The Wellspring at (318) 651-9314.
For more information about child abuse in Louisiana including the latest statistics and our state's response, visit the website of Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana!
What services are available for a person who has been sexually assaulted?
o Assistance filing law enforcement reports
o Assistance obtaining protective orders
o Consultation with District Attorney’s office
o Phone hotline intervention — anytime day or night, 365 days a year at
o (318) 323-1505
o Domestic violence or sexual assault counseling
o Legal counsel referral to North LA Legal Assistance
o Medical follow-up (by appointment)
o Referral to safe, confidential emergency housing
o Safety planning
o Translation services (by appointment)
o Domestic violence and/or sexual assault education
What is the SART?
SART (or Sexual Assault Resource Team) is a team of people from the following five disciplines: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and other medical personnel, Law Enforcement, Advocacy, Counseling, and Prosecution. The team works collaboratively to respond immediately to the needs of victims of sexual assault in Ouachita Parish. The group also provides a coordinated community response to sexual assault by working together to coordinate their efforts to better serve those coping with the aftermath of a sexual assault as well as to more effectively collect evidence and prosecute offenders.
What agencies are SART members?
The following agencies are SART members:
o 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
o Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office
o Glenwood Regional Medical Center
o LSU Health Sciences Center
o St. Francis Medical Center
o Monroe Police Dept.
o Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office
o Univ. of LA at Monroe Police Dept.
o West Monroe Police Dept.
o Children’s Advocacy Center
o Family Justice Center
o The Wellspring
What YOU can do to prevent sexual assault of yourself, your children, or others in your community:
1. Maintain healthy, respectful relationships that allow you to set limits, feel safe, and get support. Healthy relationships RELATE: are about Respect for each other; Equality in importance; Listening and communicat-ing; Awareness of rights, differences, and desires; Trusting yourself and one another; and Empathy. Healthy relationships mean:
Touching, kissing, hugging, and sexual activity require permission
Every person has the right to say no and change his or her mind
Permission is not gained through coaxing, pressuring, force or harassment
From National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Can You Relate (healthy relationships fact card)
2. For adults, personal safety means taking sensible precautions like these:
Carry a cell phone at all times; make sure the batteries are charged.
At home, make sure your doors and windows are locked and secure; contact your local police to conduct a free safety inspection if you aren’t sure your home is safe.
Change locks if other people have keys that fit. Don’t give keys to workmen.
Use only your last name and first initial in the phone book and other publicly accessible areas.
Do not give out personal information to anyone who calls or stops by your house uninvited.
Get a personal attack alarm (the kind that continues sounding even if dropped) and carry it in your hand when you might be at risk of attack.
If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street. If you are still worried, go to the nearest place where there are other people.
Don’t take shortcuts through dark alleys or isolated areas.
Make sure your car is in working order and you have enough gas for the distance you plan to drive. Do not stop to help other motorists or hitchhikers (notify the police if you feel someone you see is in danger or difficulty). After dark park in well lit areas. Share a ride whenever possible.
Arrange for someone to know when you should arrive at your destination or back home; if you don’t arrive on schedule, have them investigate or call police
3. For teens, be aware and be safe:
Always know whom you are with.
Let your parents know where you are going and with whom.
Never leave your drink unattended.
On the Internet, never give out your real name or personal information; never agree to meet someone you have met on the Internet.
Decide what your limits are about sex and communicate those clearly.
From Teen’s Guide to Personal Safety and Preventing Sexual Abuse
4. For your children, what they don’t know CAN hurt them! Make sure your children have safety rules and know when and whom to ask for help. Ask your child’s teacher or contact The Wellspring at the numbers given below or online at www.wellspringalliance.org for a fact sheet about kids’ safety and sexual abuse prevention.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, get help. Call 911 or the Family Justice Center at (318) 998-6030 or The Wellspring at (318) 323-1505 or 1-800-716-7233.