Facts about Sexual Assault
- Victims of sexual violence come from all different backgrounds. Age, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and size do not matter.
- No one ever asks for or deserves to be sexually violated. Sexual assault is an act of VIOLENCE and is a crime that is punishable by law.
- Sexual violence often happens between people who know each other. The perpetrator may be a friend, family member, spouse, or dating partner.
- Many sexual assaults, especially those on college campuses, involve the use of alcohol or other drugs.
- Alcohol, drugs, manipulation, and/or coercion are often used rather than physical force to get a victim to comply. As a result many victims will not have apparent physical injuries.
- Victims of sexual violence are targeted because of their perceived vulnerability or the perpetrator’s opportunity – NOT because of their age, the way they look, or what they were wearing.
- Sexual assault is the most under-reported violent crime in the United States.
