The Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault is a membership organization of sexual assault crisis centers across the state of Louisiana. There are, in addition, individual associate and corporate members from Louisiana communities.

First and foremost, the coalition provides a collective voice to the state of Louisiana of survivor concerns and needs. We advocate for the right of freedom from sexual violence through social change and education efforts.

LaFASA works to end sexual violence. This violence affects women, children and men, of all ages, races, income levels, lifestyles and geographic areas. We define sexual assault as any sexual contact, physical or verbal, that takes place without the victim's lawful consent. Sexual assault is not an act of sex. It is an act of violence and aggression in which sex is used as a weapon. The object is always to control and humiliate the victim. Regardless of the degree to which a victim is physically injured, sexual assault is always a crime of violence of the most personal nature and is designed to hurt the victim's body, mind and spirit.

LaFASA's position is that sexual assault is a societal issue and not a concern only of individual survivors and their families. We disagree with many segments of our society that continue to see sexual violence as something that victims somehow cause or bring on themselves. As long as this view is held, sexual violence will continue to be seen as acceptable under certain circumstances.

We support the ideal of equality among all people and appreciate that societal change toward ending discrimination is necessary to stop sexual violence.

LaFASA believes that in all cases of sexual violence, no one is to blame but the perpetrator, who must be held accountable for his or her actions. In addition, we believe that no one asks or deserves to be sexually assaulted, and that victims of this crime deserve nonjudgmental, unbiased support as they make the decisions they need to make to regain control of their lives.

LaFASA is dedicated to bringing about changes in our institutions, laws, policies, attitudes and beliefs that will allow women, children and men to live their lives free from the threat of sexual violence.

Jobs at LaFASA

© 2005, Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault
1250 SW Railroad Av Ste.170, Hammond, LA 70403
Phone: (985) 345-5995, Fax: (985) 345-5592, Toll Free: (888) 995-7273
E-mail: resource@lafasa.org