LaFASA was founded in 1982. It is a private nonprofit organization of the state's sexual assault crisis centers, as well as other agencies and individuals concerned about sexual violence. Our mission is to work toward the elimination of sexual violence, through program support, education, and social change.

 

LaFASA Statement on Kennedy v. Louisiana Decision The Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA) supports the Supreme Court’s decision, released this morning to overturn the death penalty for child sexual assault cases. Victim advocates have long been concerned that the death penalty for child sexual assault cases could backfire and result in lower reporting rates and fewer convictions of sex offenders. The issue of child sexual abuse is complex. Most child sexual abuse victims are abused by a family member or close family friend. The reality is that, child victims and their families may feel greater reluctance to come forward, knowing that doing so could effectively send a grandparent, cousin or long time family friend to death row. In addition, capital punishment trials are notoriously stressful for the witnesses involved, and typically face a lengthy appeals process. This forces the child witness to relive these painful events over and over again, severely disrupting their healing process. Today we join sexual assault coalitions across the country in applauding the Supreme Court’s step toward ensuring that prosecutions of child sexual assault across our nation remain victim-centered and child-friendly in their approach. Our work, however, is not yet complete. We remain dedicated to finding effective ways to increase reporting rates, support victims, and keep Louisiana communities and children safe. More information Read the decision HERE