Alexandria is one of three locations in Louisiana – and the only in Cenla – with a special resource center known as the Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response Center (STAR).
STAR is a non-profit organization that provides support services to sexual violence survivors.
“When somebody is sexually assaulted, it’s not something that you plan for. Having a place like STAR is essential,” said Morgan Lamandre, President and CEO of STAR. “We believe you, we support you and we’re here for you.”
“We provide free and confidential services to sexual assault survivors,” continued Lamandre. “That includes therapy, advocacy, which is like case management and accompaniment services, and then free legal representation.”
The free resources and services are available for any survivor since STAR believes every survivor has that right.
According to Ashley Day-Primeaux, one of STAR’s resource advocates, STAR serves “any age, race and gender. We have no discrimination against any survivors. You’re coming here to get help and support.”
STAR also emphasizes its confidentiality efforts to ensure that all survivors feel safe and comfortable asking for help.
“People sometimes fear that if they go to a certain place, it will automatically mean something,” Lamandre said. “We take confidentiality very seriously. We will support the survivors, and we will get them seen as quickly as we possibly can. Don’t ever be ashamed, don’t ever think that you’re alone, because you’re not. We are here for you, and we will provide services to you.”
Survivors do not have to report their assault to receive STAR’s services.
“They don’t have to report to get support from STAR,” said Mandy Roberts, STAR counselor. “They don’t have to make a firm decision exactly on what they want. They can just call our office and be like, ‘I’ve experienced some form of sexual violence, and I’m not sure what I want,’ and we can help them from there.”
To receive services from STAR, all a survivor needs to do is call their 24-hour hotline at 1-855-435-STAR. When someone calls the hotline, they are immediately connected with an advocate who will help them connect with services and remain on their case for the rest of their time with STAR. STAR also has a website, STAR.ngo.
Day-Primeaux added, “Sexual violence is a spectrum and so we support every step of the way. Whether you were assaulted in your childhood and you want to come later in life. We just want you to know that you don’t have to report to come to STAR.”
For more information on the services that STAR offers survivors, click here.