Sexual Assault

Pursuant to LSA R.S. 13:5713 F as amended by Act 229 of the 2015 Louisiana Legislature, the coroner or his designee shall examine all alleged victims of a sexually-oriented criminal offense. The coroner may select the hospital or healthcare provider named as the lead entity for sexual assault examinations in the regional plan required by R.S.40:1216.1 as his designee to perform the forensic medical examination.

Sexual assault is an all too common occurrence that affects both victims and their support systems. The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office (JPCO) and Tulane Lakeside Hospital recognize the need to help sexual assault victims begin the healing process. A forensic medical exam can be done up to five days (120 hours) after the assault has occurred, but getting treatment sooner than later is best for the victim.

Sexual Assault Exam/Forensic Medical Evaluation Program Locations

If you are assaulted within 120 hours (5 days) please report to:

Adolescents/Adults 15 years of age and older - Tulane Lakeside Hospital

(4700 South I-10 Service Road W, Metairie, LA 70001)

The Coroner has designated Tulane Lakeside Hospital Tulane-Lakeside Hospital as the parish's first and only Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, specifically dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to all people 15 years and older, regardless of gender, location of the crime, where they live or if there is police involvement. The JPCO and Tulane Lakeside Hospital offer a dedicated, safe suite where these specially trained nurses use the latest technology to
treat victims of sexual assault in a private confidential setting. The SANE provides one on one confidential expert care. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No appointment is necessary. For those non-English speaking, translation services are available. For more detailed information about the safe suite at Tulane Lakeside Hospital - https://tulanelakeside.com/service/sexual-assault-nurse-examiner-program

If you are assaulted within 72 hours (3 days) please report to:

Birth to 17 years of age - Children's Hospital Emergency Room or Audrey Hepburn Care Center

(200 Henry Clay Avenue, NOLA 70118 / 1101 Calhoun Street, NOLA 70118)

Child sexual abuse cases, from birth to 17 years of age, are seen at Children's Hospital's Care Center and are examined by pediatric physicians trained in forensic medicine.

For ALL cases that exceed the time frames listed above, especially those victims 17 years of age and younger, you may still present for a forensic evaluation, medical treatment and for community resources.

What to do if You Are the Victim of a Sexually Oriented Crime

What should I do immediately?

Get to a place whre you feel safe
Preserve evidence, try not to:
- Take a shower, bathe or clean anything that might be evidence
- Brush, floss or use mouthwash
- Use the bathroom
- Eat or drink anything
- Change clothes

What are my options?

Go to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911 if you would like police involvement.

What is a sexual assault?
A sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual contact. It can happen to anyone. A person who is sexually assaulted is never to blame. The perpetrator of these crimes can be someone you know or a stranger.

What will happen at the hospital?
After you have been checked into the emergency room (ER), a SANE nurse and medical advocate will be called while the ER Physician evaluates you for any life-threatening illesses and injuries.
The SANE nurse and medical advocate will:

Offer you information about your legal and medical options
Obtain and document your medical history
Collect and document evidence of a crime
Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure you are provided with medications to prevent pregnancy and many sexually transmitted diseases
Evaluate you for injuries and illesses
Offer you a change of clothing and other comfort items
Provide referrals for follow-up care, including counseling and medical treatment

Do I have to report to police?
You do not have to report the incident to police unless we are required by mandatory reporting laws, which only include victims under 18 years of age or disabeled/elderly adults. If you are unsure about reporting, we suggest you have an unreported kit collected and receive medical treatment. An unreported kit will be labled with a confidential code and can be held for up to one year.

Do I have to pay for a SANE exam?
No. You will not be charged for any part of your SANE exam, including co-pays or decutibles. Submitting the visit to your insurance company is optional for private payers. There are also financial resources available for follow-up medical expenses through a confidentical Crime Victim Reparations Program. Your SANE nurse or medical advocate will provide additional information.

The results of all exams, children and adult, are not only for the immediate medical response need, but to provide the Sherriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office with evidence for the prosecution of suspected offenders.

The Sexual Assault Services division also offers community education for middle and high school age students. If interested in setting up a talk or need additional information about our office, please refer to the Community Outreach page to request a JPCO workshop at your school or place of business.

Medical Advocacy Program for Juveniles and Adults

The JPCO also offers a juvenile and adult sexual assault medical advocacy program. The advocates are on call 24 hours a day. When a victim reports to one of the designated hospitals and the event occurs in Jefferson Parish, an advocate is notified. Once the victim arrives, the advocate will explain the procedures that will be taking place. Sexual assault victims and/or their caregivers may be experiencing anxiety and/or traumatic turmoil. The advocate is there as a neutral supporter to assist with this traumatic occurrence. The alleged victim will be given a resource packet containing information and contacts to help them through the post trauma period.