Sexual Assault Confidential Resources

University Police

Your Safety Matters

Persons who have been involved in incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment can seek out confidential help from the Counseling Center. Appointments can be made by calling 337-475-5136. Please let the front desk staff know that your situation is urgent, and we will arrange for a counselor to meet with you as soon as possible.

Confidential Advisors

Employee, students and non-students who are victims of sexual assault may choose to access the assistance of a Confidential Advisor. Confidential Advisors can, at the victim’s request:

serve as a liaison between a victim and the institution or local law enforcement.
assist in contacting and reporting the assault to a responsible employee or local law enforcement.
liaise with appropriate staff to arrange reasonable accommodations, such as changed living arrangements or class schedules.
help victims obtain accessibility services or arrange other accommodations.
accompany the victim to interviews and other proceedings of a campus investigation and institutional disciplinary proceedings.
provide information on the victim’s rights and the institution’s responsibilities regarding orders of protection, no-contact orders, restraining orders, or orders issued by a court or by the institution.

The following persons have been designated as official Confidential Advisors at McNeese:

Dr. Twila Sterling Guillory
College of Nursing and Health
(337) 475-5542

Dr. Dena Matzenbacher
McNeese Professor and Department Head of Psychology
(337) 475-5434

The Confidential Advisor is not obligated to report crimes to the institution or law enforcement in a way that identifies an alleged victim or an accused individual, unless otherwise required to do so by law. A Confidential Advisor is required to report that an incident occurred for statistical reporting requirements of the Clery Act to McNeese Police.

The same accommodations that are offered to the victim may be offered to the accused. Any requests for accommodations does not automatically trigger an investigation by the institution.

If a student discusses the incident with faculty or staff – with the exception of the Counseling Center or Student Health Services – the faculty or staff member is obligated to report the incident.

Confidential Resources

In the immediate aftermath of sexual misconduct such as a sexual assault or rape, medical card and the collection of physical evidence are very important. The alleged victim should not shower, bathe, or change clothes and may be taken to the hospital emergency room or Student Health Services.

The McNeese Student Counseling Center is available to provide counseling to students who have been victims of sexual assault. Talking to a counselor or nurse does not constitute report of the incident. However, the counselor or nurse can help you report the incident if you choose to do so.

Talking to a counselor or nurse or reporting the incident can be initiated at any time. Faculty and staff outside of these two areas are NOT confidential resources.

University Sexual Misconduct Policy