About Sexual Violence
“Out of every 1000 of Sexual Assaults, 995 of the perpetrators walk free”
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is when consent is not given or obtained freely. Sexual Violence is a serious public health problem in the U.S. Sexual violence impacts every community and affects people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages—anyone can experience or perpetrate sexual violence. The perpetrator of sexual violence is normally someone who the victim knows, such as a friend, intimate partner, coworker, neighbor, or family member.
Sexual violence is associated with several risk and protective factors. It is connected to other forms of violence, and causes serious health and economic consequences. By using a public health approach that addresses risk and protective factors for multiple types of violence, sexual violence and other forms of violence can be prevented. For more information about sexual violence definitions please see Sexual Violence Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and Recommended Data Elements, Version 2.0 pdf icon[2.01 MB, 136 Pages, 508].
For information about child sexual abuse, please see Preventing Child Sexual Abuse.
How common is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence affects millions of people each year in the U.S. Researchers know that this is an underestimated number since many cases go unreported. Victims may be ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to tell the police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims may also keep quiet because they have been threatened with further harm if they tell anyone or do not think that anyone will help them.
CDC data shows:
Sexual violence is common. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 38 men have experienced completed or attempted rape and 1 in 14 men was made to penetrate someone (completed or attempted) during his lifetime.
Sexual violence starts early. 1 in 3 female rape victims experienced it for the first time between 11-17 years old and 1 in 8 reported that it occurred before age 10. Nearly 1 in 4 male rape victims experienced it for the first time between 11-17 years old and about 1 in 4 reported that it occurred before age 10.
Sexual violence is costly. Recent estimates put the cost of rape at $122,461 per victim, including medical costs, lost productivity, criminal justice activities, and other costs.
What are the Consequences of Sexual Violence?
The consequences of sexual violence are physical, like bruising and genital injuries, and psychological, such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The consequences may also be chronic. Victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, experience re-occurring gynecological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and sexual health problems.
Sexual violence is also linked to negative health behaviors. For example, victims are more likely to smoke, abuse alcohol, use drugs, and engage in risky sexual activity.
The trauma resulting from sexual violence can have an impact on a survivor’s employment in terms of time off from work, diminished performance, job loss, or being unable to work. These disrupt earning power and have a long-term effect on the economic well-being of survivors and their families. Readjustment after victimization can be challenging: victims may have difficulty in their personal relationships, in returning to work or school, and in regaining a sense of normalcy.
In addition, sexual violence is connected to other forms of violence. For example, girls who have been sexually abused are more likely to experience other forms of violence and additional sexual violence, and be a victim of intimate partner violence in adulthood.1 Perpetrating bullying in early middle school is associated with sexual harassment perpetration in adolescence.
Let’s stop Sexual Violence before it even starts by:
Promoting Social Norms that protect against the Violence
Teaching skills to Prevent Sexual Violence
Providing Opportunities to Empower and Support Women and Girls
Creating Protective Environments
Supporting Survivors
CDC Preventing Sexual Violence Factsheet - pdf icon Preventing Sexual Violence Factsheet [497 KB, 2 Pages, 508]
Content Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention - Violence Prevention