​Sexual Assault
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Sexual assault remains a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting individuals across various demographics. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives. Alarmingly, nearly 81% of women and 43% of men report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. The statistics are particularly concerning for younger populations, with college-age women (18-24) being three times more likely than women in general to experience sexual violence. Additionally, the vast majority of sexual assault cases go unreported, with estimates suggesting that only 25% of sexual assaults are reported to the police. This under reporting is often due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or lack of confidence in the criminal justice system.
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What is Sexual Assault?
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Non-Consensual Acts: At its core, sexual assault involves any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the victim. Consent must be given freely, without coercion or manipulation, and can be withdrawn at any time.
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Rape: One of the most severe forms of sexual assault, rape involves non-consensual penetration, whether it is oral, anal, or vaginal. This can be perpetrated by a stranger or someone the victim knows, such as a friend, family member, or intimate partner.
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Unwanted Touching: This includes any non-consensual physical contact of a sexual nature, such as groping or fondling.
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Sexual Coercion: This occurs when an individual is pressured, manipulated, or threatened into engaging in unwanted sexual activity. Coercion can involve verbal or emotional pressure, intimidation, or misuse of authority.
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Sexual Harassment: While not always classified as assault, sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or offensive environment.
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Incest and Child Sexual Abuse: These forms of sexual assault involve sexual activities between family members or an adult and a child, violating trust and often leaving deep psychological scars.
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​Resources:
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Clinicians who treat sexual assault:
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