April is Sexual Assault
Awareness Month
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL
S
exual violence is a serious public
health problem that affects millions
of women and men. In the United
States, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men
have experienced sexual violence involv-
ing physical contact at some point in their
lives. Statistics underestimate the problem
because many victims do not tell the police,
family, or friends about the violence.
UNDERSTANDING SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Sexual violence is any sexual activity
where consent is not freely given. This
includes completed or attempted sex acts
that are against the victim’s will or involve a
victim who is unable to consent through use
of force or alcohol/drug facilitation.
OTHER FORMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE
• Non-physically pressured unwanted sex
• Unwanted sexual contact (intentional
sexual touching), or
• Non-contact, unwanted sexual expe-
riences (such as verbal sexual harass-
ment)
www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/index.html
www.rainn.org/about-sexual-assault
SEXUAL VIOLENCE CAN BE
COMMITTED BY ANYONE
• A current or former intimate partner
• A family member
• A person in position of power or trust
• A friend or acquaintance
• A stranger, or someone known only by
sight
Sexual violence impacts health in many
ways and can lead to long-term physical
and mental health problems. For example,
victims may experience chronic pain, head-
aches, and sexually transmitted diseases.
They are often fearful or anxious and may
have problems trusting others. Anger and
stress can lead to eating disorders, depres-
sion, and even suicidal thoughts.
IF YOU ARE OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW
IS A VICTIM OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE
• Contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest
National Network: 1-800-656-HOPE.
• Contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest
National Network (RAINN) hotline at
1-800-656-HOPE. Help is free, confiden-
tial, and available 24/7. Get information
at RAINNExternal.
• Contact your local emergency services
at 9-1-1
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