Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
April is Sexual Awareness Month, and this is an opportunity to spread awareness and honor the lives and the journey of those who have suffered from sexual assault. In this blog, you will learn about what is sexual assault, the statistics of sexual crimes, and the consequences of Sexual Violence.
What is Sexual Assault?
The specific definition varies from state to state law. However, the majority of states use the word “rape” to refer to Sexual Assault. To understand state-by-state law, you can use this tool.
There are different types of Sexual Assault and Rape used by most jurisdictions in the United States. The types of Sexual Assault and Rape used by most States are:
Aggravated Sexual Abuse
This crime is based on a person knowingly causing another person to engage in a sexual act without their consent. This also includes attempts using threats like death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping. In addition, aggravated assault also includes administering a drug, intoxicant, or other similar substance without the knowledge or permission of that person to engage in a sexual act.
Sexual Abuse
This crime is based on a person knowingly causing another person to engage in a sex act by threatening or using fear to force it. Also if someone engages in a sexual act with a person who is incapable of understanding the nature of the act or unable to give consent. E.g., children, mentally ill persons, or as defined by the law.
Abusive Sexual Contact
When a person intentionally touches another person’s genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks without their consent. The intent is to abuse, humiliate, or harass the victim. Penetration isn’t necessary in this crime.
The Statistics of Sexual Violence
The Rape Abuse & Incest National Network tells us that everyone is affected by Sexual Violence.
These statistics were taken from their website.
Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted).
About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an
attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies substantiated or found strong evidence to indicate that 63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse.
Most child victims are 12-17. Of victims under the age of 18: 34% of victims of sexual assault and rape are under age 12, and 66% of victims of sexual assault and rape are aged 12-17.
One in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 experience sexual abuse or assault.
82% of all victims under 18 are female.
Females ages 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.
Given these statistics, if you are reading this article, you probably know one person who has suffered from Sexual Violence.
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What are the consequences of Sexual Violence?
Sexual Violence is considered a trauma that has long-term effects on those who have experienced it. Suicidal and depressive thoughts increase after a person experiences this type of trauma. Here are some statistics from the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the rape.
30% of women report symptoms of PTSD 9 months after the rape.
33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide.
13% of women who are raped attempt suicide.
Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a more significant percentage than for any other violent crime.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) increases since it becomes a way of escape for many. Here are some statistics:
3.4 times more likely to use marijuana
Six times more likely to use cocaine
Ten times more likely to use other major drugs
Relationships with family members, friends, and community members get disrupted because of Sexual Violence:
38% of victims of sexual violence experience work or school problems, which can include significant relational issues with a boss, coworker, or peer.
37% experience family/friend problems, including getting into arguments more frequently than before, not trusting their family/friends, or not feeling as close to them as before the crime.
84% of survivors who were victimized by an intimate partner experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress or increased problems at work or school.
79% of survivors who were victimized by a family member, close friend, or acquaintance experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress or increased problems at work or school.
67% of survivors who were victimized by a stranger experience professional or emotional issues, including moderate to severe distress or increased problems at work or school.
The effect is not only emotional or mental but also physical since those who experience Sexual Violence are at a higher risk of unplanned or unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
Studies suggest that the chance of getting pregnant from one-time, unprotected sexual assault is between 3.1-5%, depending on a multitude of factors, including the time of month the sexual assault occurs, whether contraceptives are used, and the age of the person. The average number of rapes and sexual assaults among women of childbearing age is approximately 250,000. Thus, the number of children conceived from rape each year in the United States approximately ranges from 7,750—12,500. This is a general estimate, and the actual number may differ. This statistic presents information from several different studies. Further, this information may not take into account factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of pregnancy, including, but not limited to, the impact of birth control or condom use at the time of attack or infertility.
What to do to support and protect your family, friends, and communities from Sexual Violence?
Listen and believe: One of the most important ways to support a victim of sexual assault is to listen to their story and believe them simply. Avoid questioning their experience or minimizing their feelings.
Offer validation and support: Let the victim know that what happened to them was not their fault and that they are not alone. Offer emotional support and reassurance that you are there for them.
Encourage them to seek help: Encourage the victim to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or support group. Offer to help them find resources and accompany them to appointments if needed. Our services are always available here.
Educate yourself: Educate yourself about sexual assault and its effects so that you can better understand the victim's experience. This can also help you provide more informed support.
Offer practical support: Offer practical support such as helping with daily tasks, providing meals, or accompanying them to legal or medical appointments.
You can also find the official CDC package to end Sexual Violence here.
Conclusion
Sexual Violence is a threat that affects every gender, sexual orientation, race, and culture. Your background or socioeconomic status does not exempt you from experiencing Sexual Violence. Therefore, families and communities must unite to educate, protect, and act on this. Sexual Violence is everyone’s responsibility rather than one person’s responsibility.
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Author Alice Mills Mai is the Director of Centering Wholeness Counseling. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and Ohio and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
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