New Orleans Police Department Ignores Citizens Demanding Immediate Accountability for the Rape of an Unconscious Woman on Toulouse and Canal

A Story Shared on Twitter by an Indiana State Resident and ER Respiratory Therapist on Holiday in NOLA

STAR is saddened and horrified by the rape at the corner of Toulouse and Royal in New Orleans and the subsequent lack of response from the New Orleans Police Department. STAR also recognizes that an officer’s failure to respond to any form of violence happening in front of their eyes can terrorize a community.

STAR was made aware of what occurred on the corner of Toulouse and Canal St. when one of the people pleading for police to help the unconscious woman being violated turned to Twitter and social media to bring the community awareness to the situation.

At this time, many community members are likely experiencing vicarious trauma due to this assault and the lack of action from people who are meant to protect people from violence. People who feel traumatized by this event are having a compassionate and empathetic response to the person experiencing this type of violence. Somatic responses, a sense of exhaustion, and feelings of distress are all common when a person is navigating secondary trauma.

STAR also wants to reiterate that an unconscious person is not capable of consenting to sex. And nonconsensual penetration is rape.

As a reminder to our communities, and beyond, data proves that over 80% of rapes (both attempted and completed) are committed by a person who is somehow acquainted with or familiar with their victim.

STAR is always here for our community and ready to support survivors. Remember you can call our hotline any day, any time.