Sexual violence happens far more often than most people think, and it’s often much more complicated than how it’s portrayed in the media or on television. Whether you’re looking to educate yourself or help someone you care about, having accurate information matters. Above all, remember this: sexual violence is never the victim’s fault. 

Sexual assault refers to any sexual activity or contact that occurs without clear, voluntary, and informed consent. It can affect anyone, and in many cases, the person responsible is someone the victim knows. Sexual assault is rooted in power and control, not sexual desire. It does not have to involve physical force to be serious. Emotional pressure, coercion, or psychological manipulation are equally harmful and are valid forms of assault. 

Sexual assault may include: 

• Attempted rape 

• Unwanted sexual touching or groping 

• Forcing someone to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetration 

• Any form of penetration without consent (legally defined as rape) 

• Pressuring or manipulating someone into sex through threats, deception, guilt, or intimidation 

• Sexual activity with someone who cannot legally or physically give consent due to age, intoxication, disability, or being unconscious 

Language barriers, fear of their abuser, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help, making sexual assault a hidden crime.

Facts:

• Nearly every minute, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted and every 9 minutes, that someone is a child

• An estimated 423,020 people age 12+ experience sexual violence each year in the U.S.

• 60% of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault, we're here to provide the support you need.
Call our free, confidential 24/7 helpline at 800-773-8570 to speak with an advocate, or visit ywcade.org/sarc to learn more.