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Sand Dunes

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is an epidemic, facing adults and children from all walks of life.

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What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence describes any unwanted sexual act or behavior (or attempted behavior) committed against another through force, coercion, manipulation, violence, or trafficking and without consent. 

 

A person can be a victim of sexual violence regardless of their relationship to the perpetrator. 

What are the statistics?

1 out of every 6 women and 1 out of every 33 men have been a victim of rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. 

Every year, approximately 60,000 American children are victims of sexual violence. 

The majority of victims are attacked at or near their home.

Young women between the ages of 18 and 24 are at the highest risk.

Underreporting and lack of criminal accountability continue to be a pressing concern. Only 25 out of every 1,000 cases against perpetrators result in sentencing. 

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Types of Sexual Violence

Not every type of sexual violence can be easy to detect. Forms can include sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest, intimate partner sexual violence, drug-facilitated sexual assault, harassment, and exposure.

Men and boys who face violence may face increased social stigma and receive less support due to gender norms. 

 

Any person, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, marital status, sexuality or any other identifying characteristic, can be a victim of sexual violence.

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What are the effects?

Sexual violence can have lifelong consequences for survivors, including:

  • Depression

  • Self-Harm

  • Substance use

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

  • Suicidal ideation 

  • Pregnancy

  • Exposure to STIs/STDs 

  • Panic attacks 

  • Eating and sleeping disorders 

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