facts about sexual assault

 

fact #1

Sexual assault is about power and control where sex is used as a weapon. It involves forcing or coercing the victim into sexual activity without consent. The person who sexually assaults the victim wants to feel powerful and dominant.

Fact #2

Most Sexual Assaults are perpetrated by someone the victim knows: a family member, a friend, a dating partner or an acquaintance. Approximately 73% of sexual assault are perpetrated by someone the victim knows1.

Fact #3

Women do not provoke rape by their dress or appearance nor do they provoke it by their actions. Rapists admittedly look for a "target" that is easily accessible and somehow vulnerable. Typically, they aren ot interested in the victim's appearance, her age or her lifestyle - the ability to dominate over the victim is all that matters. The victim is NEVER at fault!

Fact #4

Men can be sexually assaulted. Although man associate sexual assault with women, statistics tell us that 1 in 10 men will be sexually assaulted at some time in their life. The most common perpetrator of male sexual assault is a heterosexual male. Again, sexual assault is about power and control, not sexual pleasure.

Fact #5

Most reported cases of sexual assault are true. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, less than 2% of reported cases are false. Furthermore, 95% of reported sexual assaults were substantiated with sound evidence2.

Fact #6

There is help! Contact the Women's Resource Center of the New River Valey, Inc by calling (540) 639-1123. We are available 24-hours a day to provide support and resources to men, women and children. All of our services are free and confidential.

1. Catalano, 2005
2. Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2003