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On college campuses, acquaintance and
date rape are more apt to occur than rape by strangers.
Research on college women indicates as many as 20 percent of
the female population may at some point be sexually coerced by
acquaintances.
While some students may not think of
forced sexual relations as rape, such action constitutes a
serious crime and is a felony under Section 14:42 of the
Louisiana Revised Statutes.
If You Are the Victim of Sexual
Assault
Contact a friend to help you collect your thoughts and focus
on your needs. If the assault occurred on campus, call the MSU
Police Department at 475-5711 or at 911. If the assault
occurred off campus, call the Lake Charles Police Department
or the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff¹s Office (911) or the Rape
Crisis Center at 494-7273.
Obtain Medical Care
Quickly obtain medical care from a hospital emergency room. Do
not bath, shower, douche, or change clothes before seeking
medical attention. The treatment for rape may require an
examination at a designated hospital, testing for sexually
transmitted diseases, medication to prevent pregnancy and
documenting evidence so you can decide whether to pursue
prosecution.
Assist in the Investigation
It is a personal decision whether to report a rape or sexual
assault to police, but you are strongly encouraged to do so.
The primary concern of the police is your safety and
well-being; the second and third concerns are apprehending the
assailant and preserving the evidence of the crime.
Seek Counseling
Whether or not you report the assault or pursue prosecution,
you should consult a trained counselor for help in dealing
with the emotional aftermath of a rape. Trained counselors are
available at the MSU Counseling Center and the Rape Crisis
Center. Talking with a counselor or psychologist in no way
compels a victim to take further action.
A victim may choose to pursue action through the campus
judicial system if the offense was committed by another
student. The Office of Student Services (475-5706) is
available to advise victims of their rights under the Code of
Student Conduct. Even if you choose not to pursue disciplinary
action, you are encouraged to report your experience to the
Office of Student Services.
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