What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is an umbrella term to describe sexual acts, attempts to obtain a sexual act by violence or coercion, acts to traffic a person or acts directed against a person's sexuality, regardless of the relationship to the victim. Sexual violence can happen to children, teens, adults, and elders. Those who perpetuate this crime can be family members, trusted individuals, acquaintances, and/or strangers.

Types of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is not one dimensional. There are many forms of sexual violence which include but are not limited to:

Child sexual assault and incest

Rape or sexual assault

Intimate partner sexual assault

Unwanted sexual contact/touching

Sexual exploitation

Sexual harassment

Showing one’s genitals or naked body to other(s) without consent

Masturbating in public

Watching someone in a private act without their knowledge or permission

1 in 10

is the number of men that are sexual assault survivors.

7 out of 10

rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.

97%

of perpetrators never see the inside of a jail cell.

Long-Lasting Effects

Any type of trauma can leave long-lasting effects, but individuals who experience this type of trauma may have psychological, physical, and/or emotional effects. They can include but are not limited to:

Depression

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)

Flashbacks

Panic Attacks

Disassociation

Substance Abuse

Sleep Disorders

Suicidal Ideation

Self-harm