With students across Louisiana and the nation back on college campuses, it is important to talk openly about the risk of sexual assault and what students, parents, and communities can do to stay informed and safe. College should be a time for growth, discovery, and opportunity, but the reality is that sexual violence remains a serious issue on campuses.
What Is Campus Sexual Assault?
Campus sexual assault includes any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, including situations where a victim is unable to consent due to age, impairment from alcohol or drugs, or coercion. Consent must be freely given, mutual, and ongoing. Sexual abuse on a college campus can include forms of physical abuse, rape, stalking, and harassment.
Most campus sexual assaults are not committed by strangers. Research shows that the majority involve someone the victim knows, such as a classmate, friend, or acquaintance. Alcohol often plays a role, not because it causes assault, but because perpetrators take advantage of students who are impaired.
The early weeks of the school year, sometimes called the “Red Zone,” are considered a particularly high-risk period for first-year students. During this time, new students may be less familiar with their surroundings and more vulnerable in social settings.
Campus Sexual Abuse Statistics
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, college students are at heightened risk of sexual assault:
- Almost one in four undergraduate women experienced sexual assault or misconduct at 33 of the nation’s major universities.
- Students between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely than older adults to experience sexual violence.
- Women ages 18-24 who are college students are 3 times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence
Closer to home, the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LAFASA) reports that 33% of women and 14% of men in Louisiana ages 18–24 have experienced sexual violence. And while many college campuses have seen a decrease in crime between 2009 and 2019, the number of forcible sex offenses increased from 2,500 to 11,800 during the same period.
More than 90% of sexual assault victims on college campuses do not report the assault, so these numbers could even be greater; however, they underscore the urgency of prevention and support efforts for campus sexual abuse in our state.
How Students Can Stay Safe on Campus
While the responsibility for preventing sexual assault always lies with perpetrators, students can take proactive steps to reduce risks and support one another:
- Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, step away.
- Stay connected. Walk with friends at night, use well-lit paths, and take advantage of campus escort services if available.
- Set boundaries early. Do not feel pressured to participate in social or physical activities that make you uncomfortable.
- Look out for one another. Programs like Green Dot and other bystander intervention initiatives teach students how to step in safely if they see someone at risk.
- Use technology and limit it. Safety apps allow students to quickly alert trusted contacts if they feel unsafe. Also, consider making social media profiles private or not tagging locations to photos you post online until you’re no longer at the location, so it’s more difficult to become a victim of stalking.
Parents can also play a part in keeping their college-aged children safe on campus. A 2024 HuffPost article on campus sexual assault discusses how parents can actively support their children. This is especially important during a college student’s first year when sexual assault risk is highest. By engaging in open, empathetic communication and offering ongoing encouragement and guidance, you can empower your college student to make their own safety decisions while also keeping approachable lines of communication so they can reach out when needed.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Campus Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you love experiences some type of sexual abuse on campus, know that you are not alone. Steps you can take include:
- Get to a safe place as quickly as possible.
- Seek medical care right away, even if you are unsure about reporting. Medical professionals can treat injuries, test for sexually transmitted infections, and collect forensic evidence if you choose to pursue legal action.
- Preserve evidence if possible. Avoid showering, changing clothes, or cleaning up until after medical care if you may want to file a report.
- Report the assault. You may choose to notify campus authorities, file a police report, or both. Each option has its own process and protections.
- Reach out for support. Confidential hotlines and advocacy groups such as RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or LAFASA’s statewide network of crisis centers provide immediate help and counseling resources.
Colleges and universities are also required under Title IX to respond promptly and effectively to reports of sexual harassment and assault, including providing survivors with supportive measures such as housing changes, counseling services, and academic accommodations.
How Our Firm Helps Campus Sex Abuse Survivors
At Herman, Katz, Gisleson & Cain, we understand the devastating impact campus sexual abuse can have on survivors and their families. Our attorneys handle all levels of sex abuse cases in Louisiana with compassion, discretion, and unwavering commitment.
No student should have to fear sexual assault as part of their college experience. By educating ourselves, supporting prevention efforts, and ensuring survivors have access to resources and justice, we can make campuses safer for everyone. If you or a loved one has been affected by campus sexual assault in Louisiana or elsewhere, our firm is here to listen and to help. For more information or a free, confidential case review, contact us online or call 1-844-943-7626.
